Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, on Saturday, 22 August, mounted a forceful public defence of himself and his daughter Veena Vijayan, categorically denying any involvement in hawala transactions and alleging that the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) recent public statement was politically motivated. Speaking at his first press conference since the ED issued its statement earlier this week, Vijayan raised both hands and declared his family's conduct above reproach.

Vijayan's Direct Denial

'I am fully confident that none from my family, including me, has been involved in any sort of hawala transactions,' Vijayan said, the gesture of raised hands underscoring his assertion that his hands were clean. He questioned why the ED had issued a public press statement at all, noting that such statements are typically posted only on the agency's website rather than released to the media.

'Normally, in such cases, such press statements are not put out. They are put on their website. Why was my name mentioned in this manner?' he asked. Vijayan alleged that the specific reference to him as 'P. Vijayan, former Chief Minister' was deliberately framed to create an impression of personal culpability. 'It was done to see how my name could also be included,' he said.

Allegations of Political Targeting

Vijayan drew a parallel with a 1996 CBI probe in which, he said, an individual had appeared before the agency claiming to have given him ₹1 crore or ₹2 crore, allegedly anticipating that Vijayan would become the next Electricity Minister. He said he had fully cooperated with that investigation and was subsequently cleared. 'Now a few people are behind us, trying to see how they can trap us,' he alleged.

The Opposition leader stressed that his grievance was not with the investigating agency itself, but with what he described as a deliberate effort to attach his name to allegations directed at his daughter. He said Veena's relationship to him had added an unwanted political dimension to an otherwise routine probe.

Veena Vijayan's Cooperation

Veena Vijayan has been at the centre of the ED's probe, which this week included a public statement alleging hawala transactions. Her father said she had engaged with investigators from the outset and would continue to do so. 'Veena has cooperated with the probe right from the start and will do the same,' he said.

Vijayan Targets Malayala Manorama

Vijayan also directed sharp criticism at Malayala Manorama, accusing the media organisation of repeatedly targeting him and publishing what he described as baseless reports. 'If it is against Pinarayi Vijayan, then they feel anything can be written,' he said, alleging a sustained campaign to manufacture controversy around him and his family.

What Comes Next

Vijayan's remarks mark his first direct public response to the ED's latest statement and are widely expected to sharpen the political confrontation over the agency's findings. With the ED probe ongoing and the Opposition leader now firmly on the offensive, the case is set to remain a flashpoint in Kerala politics in the weeks ahead.