The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Kerala): In a recent development that has sparked controversy and heated discussions, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], governing Kerala, has openly criticized the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for initiating a money-laundering investigation against Veena Vijayan, the daughter of Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alongside her IT company. The party accused the central agency of operating as a tool for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), undermining its credibility and neutrality.
M V Govindan, the state secretary of CPI(M), voiced the party’s disdain for the ED’s actions, suggesting the agency had lost its credibility and was acting in favor of the BJP’s interests. During a press briefing, Govindan responded to inquiries about the case, asserting the situation would be handled appropriately. The allegations involve an illicit transaction from a private mineral firm to Veena Vijayan’s company, Exalogic Solutions, raising serious questions about the legality of the payment.
Govindan further insinuated that the central government and the BJP were utilizing agencies like the ED not just for political vendettas but also for financial extortion from those accused of hoarding black money. This bold statement underscores the CPI(M)’s stance against what it perceives as political witch-hunting and its resolve not to succumb to pressure.
The case against Veena Vijayan is grounded in a complaint by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), following an investigation by the Income Tax Department. It was found that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) made an unauthorized payment of Rs 1.72 crore to Exalogic Solutions between 2018 and 2019, despite no services being provided by the IT firm to CMRL. The Karnataka High Court had previously dismissed a petition from Exalogic Solutions against the SFIO’s probe, adding a layer of judicial scrutiny to the controversy.
As the case unfolds, with the ED expected to summon those involved, the political landscape in Kerala remains tense, reflecting the broader confrontations between state governments and central agencies in India. This incident highlights the complexities of federal relationships and the role of investigative agencies in political dynamics.