‘Pay ₹3 crore and be a minister': Kerala MLA Vidya Balakrishnan gets fake cabinet offer; probe on

Kozhikode: Elathur MLA Vidya Balakrishnan has received a phone call from Delhi offering her a position in the state cabinet in exchange for ₹3 crore, claiming that a state cabinet reshuffle is imminent. The caller alleged they were speaking from the Wayanad MP's office. Following a complaint lodged by Vidya, the Kozhikode Cyber Cell has initiated an investigation.

The WhatsApp call was received on July 6. The caller introduced himself as Rajkumar from the Wayanad MP's office and claimed that a local MP from the district had provided her phone number. The conversation was conducted in English. As the call progressed, the MLA grew suspicious and deceptively agreed to the monetary offer.

Later, she informed the MP who was allegedly said to have shared her number. The MP clarified that someone claiming to call from the AICC headquarters had contacted him and obtained the phone numbers of two MLAs from the district.

Consequently, both leaders contacted the party headquarters and Priyanka Gandhi's office. Once the office confirmed that no such call had been made, a complaint was filed with the Cyber Cell on July 11.

The Cyber Cell has confirmed that the call originated from Delhi. Vidya stated that she had no comments to make on the matter and that the party would issue an official response.