Pinarayi Vijayan calls ED’s CMRL allegations ‘old claims in a new script’
Kerala Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday dismissed the Enforcement Directorate’s latest allegations in the CMRL case as “old allegations in a new script” and accused the agency of using the law as a political weapon.
The ED has recently written to Kerala’s State Police Chief, Ravada A Chandrasekhar, seeking registration of an FIR against Vijayan, his family and others based on material collected during its investigation and searches conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The agency has alleged that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) made fraudulent payments of Rs 2.78 crore to Exalogic Solutions, the now-defunct company owned by Vijayan’s daughter, Veena T, in the name of IT consultancy services.
Addressing reporters, Vijayan said the nature of the allegation had changed significantly. He claimed that the earlier case centred on the allegation that Exalogic received money from CMRL without providing services, while the latest allegation suggested that the payments were bribes for alleged undue favours extended to CMRL during his tenure as chief minister.
Vijayan said the ED must explain this “fundamental contradiction” before proceeding with the bribery allegation. He maintained that no undue favour had been granted to CMRL during his tenure and alleged that no document establishing such a favour had been produced.
The CPI(M) leader also referred to proceedings before the Vigilance Court, the Kerala High Court and the Supreme Court. He said allegations concerning alleged favours to CMRL had been raised in 2024, but the Vigilance Court had rejected the complaint after the petitioner failed to produce specific facts and documents.
Vijayan said the Kerala High Court dismissed related petitions in March 2025, observing that the allegations did not establish sufficient grounds to register a case. He added that the Supreme Court later declined to interfere with the High Court’s order.
Questioning the ED’s allegations, Vijayan asked what specific favour he had allegedly granted to CMRL, when it was granted, which order authorised it, what documentary evidence existed and what he had allegedly received in return.
He accused the agency of repeatedly giving a political interpretation to allegations that had already been examined by the courts. Vijayan also questioned the Congress’ position on the alleged use of central agencies against political opponents, asking what stand the party would take when similar action was initiated in Kerala.
Vijayan said he would contest the matter both politically and legally, asserting that making someone an accused required legally sustainable evidence rather than a “political script”. He further alleged that the latest action was part of an organised attempt to target the CPI(M), which he described as a party committed to secular politics.
with inputs from PTI
