CPI(M) to fight ED move against Vijayan legally, politically

The CPI(M) in Kerala is gearing up to fight, both legally and politically, the Enforcement Directorate’s move to pave the way for a corruption case against former two-time Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

State party secretary M.V.Govindan on Tuesday said the party will defend Vijayan legally and politically.

The ED’s latest action threatens to cast a shadow over the party’s extended state committee meeting being held at Kozhikode over three days starting on Saturday to discuss organisational shortcomings and corrective measures.

The ED has submitted a report to the Director General of Police under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, seeking action under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The report contains details of the evidence allegedly unearthed during the agency’s investigation into the monthly payment case.

The ED has also sought action against his son-in-law, P.A.Mohammed Riyas, a party MLA, and his wife, Veena T.

The ED’s move could have wider implications for the case.

Registration of an FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act would enable the agency to proceed with further action in the monthly payment case.

The ED has alleged that Exalogic Solutions received Rs 2.78 crore from Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) without providing any services in return.

The agency has taken the view that the transaction falls within the ambit of money laundering.

The immediate question is how the state government will respond to the ED’s recommendation.

The police will have to take a position on the demand to register an FIR, potentially putting the government in a politically sensitive situation.

State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the State Police Chief would submit his views to the Home Secretary, following which the matter would come before him and be discussed with the Chief Minister before a decision is taken.

The development has already triggered a political attack from Revolutionary Socialist Party MP N.K. Premachandran.

He said the ED’s move was based on clear evidence and that what had emerged so far was only the tip of the iceberg.

“This is a new experience in left-wing politics. The CPI(M) must take a stand on the issue and make its position clear. What has emerged against a senior leader is a serious corruption allegation,” Premachandran said.

He alleged that all of Vijayan’s arguments had collapsed and Vijayan was not responding to the allegations raised by the ED.

“The CPI(M) cannot escape responsibility. More cases will emerge,” Premachandran said.

For the CPI(M), the timing is particularly uncomfortable, with the extended state committee meeting examining the reasons for the party’s electoral setback and discussing measures for course correction.

The ED action against its top leader is now set to add a major political dimension to those deliberations.