The CPI(M)’s Kerala unit finds itself in an unenvious position because of the over enthusiasm of some zealots in convincing the leadership of their loyalty and servility, according to party insiders.
The move by Speaker of the Legislative Assembly to summon officials of the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the latter’s probe into the LIFE Mission project has come under criticism from Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala as well as BJP state unit president K Surendran.
The recent “raid” by the ED in the residence and business premises of Bineesh Kodiyeri, son of CPI(M)’s Kerala secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had created a furore among party circles. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the action of the central agencies and alleged that the Centre was on a mission to derail the development activities of his government.
The ED raid in the house and business establishments of Bineesh, who has been arrested by the former on charges of money laundering and financing narcotics dealer Anoop Mohammed was a foregone conclusion as the arrival of the sleuths were published in newspapers and news channels well in advance.
The controversy erupted when the ED team ‘seized’ a credit card in the name of Anoop Mohammed from the residence of Bineesh. His wife Rennitta alleged that the card was placed by the ED officials themselves and they forced her to sign on papers stating that it was seized from the house which she refused to oblige.
The “raid” saw a stand off between Kerala Police and ED team with the former questioning the competence of the latter to enter the house of Kodiyeri. Kerala State Child Welfare Commission chairman and members too rushed to the residence of Kodiyeri on hearing the news that the two-year old child of Bineesh was “harassed’ by the ED team. The ED has been slapped with a show cause notice by the commission.