CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby criticized the Enforcement Directorate’s raids on former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his associates in the CMRL-Exalogic case. Baby accused the BJP-led Centre of politically targeting the CPI(M) through these actions. The ED conducted searches at 10 locations in Kerala, including Vijayan’s residences and premises linked to the case.
The raids, which began at 6 a.m., targeted Vijayan’s properties in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur, as well as locations associated with Veena Vijayan’s IT firm Exalogic. The investigation revolves around alleged financial transactions between Exalogic and Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL). Baby emphasized that Veena Vijayan had cooperated with the probe as required.
While distancing the party from the case’s specifics, Baby highlighted that Exalogic had already clarified its stance on the matter. He drew parallels to historical political persecution faced by Vijayan, accusing the Modi government of repeating such actions. Baby also criticized the Congress for allegedly aligning with the BJP to target Vijayan.
Protests erupted in Kannur and Kozhikode following the ED’s actions, with CPI(M) workers denouncing the Centre and the ED. Senior party leaders convened emergency meetings, hinting at potential widespread protests across Kerala. Security measures were heightened for BJP leader Shaun George, who played a role in raising complaints related to the Veena Vijayan case.
