The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation into the CMRL-Exalogic financial transactions case involving T. Veena, daughter of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has sparked a political debate. Critics are questioning the CPI-M’s alleged “double standards” in dealing with allegations against leaders’ family members. The controversy stems from the contrasting responses to Veena Vijayan’s case and the 2020 investigation of Bineesh Kodiyeri, son of late CPI-M leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.
The CPI-M faced scrutiny for its differing approaches in defending Veena Vijayan and distancing itself from Bineesh Kodiyeri when he was under ED investigation in 2020. While Balakrishnan had publicly kept the party separate from Bineesh’s case, the current response to Veena’s situation has been notably aggressive. Party workers mobilized quickly after ED raids on Veena and Exalogic Solutions, with top leaders launching a strong political counterattack against the agency.
The ED’s actions, which have frozen approximately Rs 18.36 crore in 242 accounts and seized digital evidence, bank records, and Veena Vijayan’s mobile phone, have further fueled the debate. Notably, Bineesh Kodiyeri, who was acquitted by the Karnataka High Court in 2023, continues to seek reinstatement of his CPI-M membership without success. The evolving responses to these cases have drawn attention to the CPI-M’s handling of allegations involving leaders’ family members.
