BJP demands FIR against Pinarayi Vijayan, daughter in CMRL-Exalogic case
Synopsis
BJP Kerala chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar is demanding a direct FIR — not another preliminary inquiry — against ex-CM Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and son-in-law P.A. Mohammed Riyas in the CMRL-Exalogic case, citing ED inputs already shared with the State Police Chief. The move sharpens a three-way political battle in Kerala, with BJP accusing both CPI(M) and Congress of shielding each other.
Key Takeaways
BJP Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar demanded an FIR in the CMRL-Exalogic case on 25 September 2026 .
The FIR demand names former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan , his daughter T.
Veena , and former Minister P.A.
Chandrasekhar said the Enforcement Directorate had already shared information with the State Police Chief , clearing the path for FIR registration.
The Kerala government has ordered an SIT preliminary inquiry — a step BJP says is unnecessary at this stage.
BJP also accused CPI(M) and Congress of targeting V.
Muraleedharan to divert attention from the Exalogic allegations.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kerala state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Friday, 25 September 2026, demanded the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and a full-scale investigation into the CMRL-Exalogic case against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and her husband, former Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas. Speaking in Thiruvananthapuram, Chandrasekhar — the BJP's MLA from Nemom — said the case had advanced well beyond the stage requiring a preliminary inquiry.
Key Allegations in the Exalogic Case
Chandrasekhar alleged that the accusations against Vijayan and Riyas warranted investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act. He said the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had already shared relevant information with the State Police Chief, making the government's case for another preliminary probe difficult to justify. He posed four pointed questions: 'Who paid the money? Who received it? Why was it paid? What were the political links behind it?'
The BJP leader argued that the state government ordering an SIT preliminary inquiry — rather than proceeding directly to FIR registration — raised serious concerns about political will to pursue the case.
BJP Pushes Back on Muraleedharan Allegations
Chandrasekhar accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) and the Indian National Congress (Congress) of attempting to divert attention from the Exalogic allegations by targeting senior BJP leader V. Muraleedharan. He said the BJP would firmly stand behind Muraleedharan and resist what he described as an orchestrated political campaign. Muraleedharan has denied all allegations, and Chandrasekhar noted that Muraleedharan held no position as Minister, Member of Parliament, or Member of the Legislative Assembly during the period to which the allegations relate.
Congress Government Under Fire
Chandrasekhar questioned why the V.D. Satheesan-led government was reluctant to register an FIR, alleging that the administration feared a probe could eventually reach Congress and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leaders. He accused the Congress and CPI(M) of conducting what he described as a political fight while being, in effect, on the same side — a charge that the Opposition parties are likely to contest. Chandrasekhar called for a transparent and lawful investigation into all named individuals.
What Happens Next
The BJP's demand adds public pressure on the Kerala government to escalate the matter from a preliminary SIT inquiry to a full FIR. With the ED already in the picture and opposition voices growing louder, the state administration faces mounting scrutiny over how — and how swiftly — it proceeds. Legal observers note that once the ED shares a formal communication with the State Police Chief, the threshold for FIR registration is generally considered to have been met under standard procedure.
Point of View
With Rajeev Chandrasekhar freshly installed as state president, signals an intent to use the case as a sustained electoral weapon. The government's choice of an SIT preliminary inquiry over direct FIR registration is procedurally defensible but politically costly; it hands the opposition a ready-made narrative of shielding the powerful. What is notable here is the three-cornered dynamic: BJP is simultaneously defending Muraleedharan from CPI(M) and Congress fire while pressing charges that could embarrass both. Kerala's political establishment, already fractured by the Exalogic disclosures, faces a credibility test that neither side can easily sidestep.
NationPress
25 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CMRL-Exalogic case in Kerala?
The CMRL-Exalogic case involves allegations of financial irregularities linked to Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) and a company called Exalogic. BJP has alleged that the case implicates former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and her husband former Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, calling for a probe under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Why is BJP demanding an FIR instead of accepting the SIT inquiry?
BJP's Rajeev Chandrasekhar argues that the Enforcement Directorate has already shared information with the State Police Chief, which he says clears the legal threshold for FIR registration. He questions why the government opted for yet another preliminary SIT inquiry rather than proceeding directly to a formal case.
Who is V. Muraleedharan and why is he mentioned?
V. Muraleedharan is a senior BJP leader who has faced separate allegations. Chandrasekhar claims that CPI(M) and Congress are targeting Muraleedharan to divert attention from the Exalogic case. Muraleedharan has denied all allegations, and Chandrasekhar pointed out he held no ministerial or legislative position during the relevant period.
What has the Kerala government done so far in the Exalogic case?
The Kerala government has ordered a preliminary inquiry by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) rather than registering an FIR. BJP has criticised this as insufficient, arguing a preliminary probe is redundant once the ED has already communicated with the State Police Chief.
What is the BJP alleging about Congress and CPI(M) in this case?
Chandrasekhar alleged that the Congress and CPI(M) are engaged in what appears to be a political rivalry but are effectively shielding each other. He claimed the Satheesan-led government is reluctant to register an FIR because a full probe could implicate Congress and IUML leaders as well.
