Synopsis
As Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan completes nine years in office, mounting allegations against his close aides and family members have ignited intense political scrutiny. The recent charge sheet against his daughter and a CBI probe into his principal secretary’s assets have further complicated the situation.Key Takeaways
- Pinarayi Vijayan's leadership is under pressure due to various allegations.
- Veena Vijayan is facing legal action over alleged financial misconduct.
- The Kerala High Court has mandated a CBI investigation into his Chief Principal Secretary's assets.
- Political fallout includes accusations from former allies and activists.
- The upcoming by-election is likely to be influenced by these controversies.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 12 (NationPress) As Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan approaches the ninth year of his leadership, a mounting wave of accusations involving his close associates and even family members has put him in a precarious political position.
The issue regarding his daughter, Veena Vijayan, intensified on Friday when the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) submitted a charge sheet related to an alleged illicit financial transaction between her now-defunct IT company, Exalogic, and Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL), based in Kochi. The court reviewed the matter thoroughly and formally registered a case.
At the same time, Vijayan's office faced additional challenges as the Kerala High Court mandated a CBI investigation into claims of disproportionate assets against his Chief Principal Secretary, K.M. Abraham.
This investigation stems from a petition filed by prominent public activist Joemon Puthenpurackal, known for his relentless legal efforts.
Abraham, who previously served as Chief Secretary and retired in 2017, currently holds a significant role as the CEO of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).
After the court ruling, Jacob Thomas, a retired DGP and former close associate of Vijayan, launched a fierce critique.
“The Vigilance Court had ordered an investigation against both Abraham and myself in 2016. I pursued it, but he leveraged his influence to obstruct the inquiry. The Chief Minister must clarify why Abraham still retains such a powerful position,” Thomas stated, adding, “He will inevitably become another Sivasankar.”
Sivasankar, a former Principal Secretary to Vijayan, was arrested twice due to his involvement in the notorious Kerala gold smuggling case linked to primary accused Swapna Suresh. After serving time, he returned to the government, only to be imprisoned again post-retirement. He is presently out on bail.
In 2023, CM Vijayan’s Additional Private Secretary, C.M. Raveendran, was interrogated by the Enforcement Directorate in the Wadakkanchery Life Mission money laundering case, which is also tied to Sivasankar’s second arrest.
Another aide under scrutiny is P. Sasi, Vijayan’s prominent Political Secretary.
Former CPI(M)-aligned independent MLA P.V. Anvar stunned many by alleging that Sasi owns several petrol stations through proxy deals and leads a formidable syndicate operating statewide.
Despite reporting these claims in writing to both Vijayan and the CPI(M) state secretary, no action was taken. Anvar subsequently resigned as MLA and joined the Congress-led opposition, gearing up to campaign against Vijayan in the forthcoming by-election for the seat he vacated.
The appointment of Kannur University Associate Professor, the spouse of Vijayan’s Private Secretary, K.K. Ragesh, has also ignited controversy. Allegations that her hiring breached UGC regulations are currently pending in the Supreme Court, with a decision awaited.
Compounding the growing list of scandals, Vijayan’s Press Secretary, P.M. Manoj, drew attention recently after a local court sentenced his brother to life imprisonment for the 2005 murder of BJP worker Suraj in Kannur.
With these numerous allegations converging, the Congress-led opposition and the BJP have labeled Vijayan as one of Kerala’s most corrupt chief ministers.
The CBI investigation into Abraham’s assets is anticipated to become a pivotal topic for the opposition in the upcoming Nilambur assembly by-election.
