What Are KC Venugopal's Concerns About the ED's Summons to CM Vijayan’s Son?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- ED summons raise serious allegations.
- Concerns over political transparency.
- Venugopal demands clarity from the ED.
- Critique of the Chief Minister's actions.
- Importance of upholding public trust.
Kannur (Kerala), Oct 11 (NationPress) AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal expressed significant unease regarding the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) summons directed at Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s son in a money laundering investigation, labeling the recent revelation of the notice as “extremely suspicious.”
Venugopal highlighted that while the ED issued the summons in 2023, it has only now become public knowledge. He pointed out that the notice was initially highly confidential.
“When the ED issues notices to Congress or other opposition leaders, it typically becomes a national spectacle. Routine questioning or procedural arrests are sensationalized in the media, as evidenced by the National Herald case or the Hemant Soren situation in Jharkhand. However, in the instance of the Chief Minister’s son, the ED has not pursued such publicity,” Venugopal remarked.
He urged the ED to clarify the present status of the case.
Key inquiries, he indicated, remain unresolved. The Congress leader insisted that the ED provide clarity regarding whether the Chief Minister’s son has been interrogated, if the proceedings are ongoing, and what subsequent actions have been taken to quell any speculation.
Venugopal also condemned the Chief Minister and the CPI-M for their failure to legally challenge the summons upon its issuance.
“Even if the ED's actions were politically motivated, the Chief Minister and his party should have contested it in court. They had a responsibility to uphold the confidentiality of the summons, which is standard practice,” he commented, asserting that the leak has only intensified doubts and suspicions surrounding the handling of the issue.
Pointing to procedural irregularities, Venugopal mentioned Vijayan’s breakfast at Kerala House with central ministers and visits to ministers’ residences without the presence of officials.
“These actions, along with the ED notice being concealed for over two years, imply a lack of transparency. The Chief Minister is obligated to clarify these issues based on facts rather than issuing vague denials,” he stated.
“Everything surrounding this case appears irregular. The Chief Minister must engage openly, provide factual clarity, and address public concerns,” Venugopal concluded.