ED move against Pinarayi Vijayan aimed at splitting INDIA bloc, says ex-CPM leader

UDF-backed Independent MLA TK Govindan on Monday said the Enforcement Directorate's move seeking an FIR against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and others under the anti-corruption law was a "strategy" to create a rift within the INDIA bloc. The Taliparamba MLA, a former CPI(M) leader, alleged that the move showed the BJP's "ill intention". Speaking to a TV channel, Govindan said the ED's actions were "completely politically motivated" and argued that the central agency was functioning as a "tool" of the Centre.

He also said it was not right to welcome the agency's action against Vijayan while criticising similar action against others, in an apparent reference to the stand taken by some UDF leaders.Referring to the case involving Vijayan's daughter Veena T, Govindan said, "Let them investigate if Vijayan's daughter Veena T made money through wrong means. But there is a method to carrying out the probe." He added, "If they carry it out with the aim to catch Vijayan, then the agency is losing its credibility."

On the ED letter to state police chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar seeking registration of a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against Vijayan, Veena, her husband PA Mohamed Riyas and some others, Govindan said it was a "strategy" of the agency.He claimed that the ED could register a case on its own and questioned why it wanted the state government to do so. "It is aimed at creating a rift between two members of the INDIA bloc.

It shows the BJP's ill intention," he alleged.The ED has sought an FIR in connection with the CMRL bribery case on the basis of "evidence" gathered during its probe and searches conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.The agency has alleged that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd made fraudulent payments of Rs 2.78 crore to Veena's now-defunct company, Exalogic Solutions, under the guise of "IT consultancy services".

In June, the ED searched premises linked to Veena, who was then staying with Vijayan at a rented house in Thiruvananthapuram, and later questioned her.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Sep 14, 2026 12:50 IST