‘Something wrong, so no comments’: CPI refuses to shield Pinarayi Vijayan over ED probe

Thiruvananthapuram: The Left Democratic Front (LDF) is not rallying behind CPM Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan and his family regarding the Enforcement Directorate (ED) report and investigation.

CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam shared the party's stance that the monthly payoff case involves a corporate entity and is not a political matter. The understanding within the CPI is to maintain this position for now and decide on further action based on how the case progresses.

“Something wrong, so no comments,” was the reaction of a senior CPI leader.

However, LDF allies feel the CPM is weakening the Opposition at a juncture when the government needs to be put under pressure. At the same time, all Opposition parties agree that the ED case and investigation are politically motivated. Front leaders state that there is still no clarity to take an explicit stand on the monthly payoff case and related hawala transactions.

They point to several factors in this regard. Although the CPM decided to mount a political defence, T Veena, the key individual facing allegations, has yet to offer an explanation. Neither has Mohammad Riyas denied that a diary was seized from Veena. Furthermore, those who now claim the ED extracted statements through coercion and threats raised no such complaints during the questioning phase. In light of these circumstances, alliance leaders maintain there is no need to rush into taking a stance, despite being LDF partners.

Opposition on the back foot

The CPM-CPI friction and internal issues within the CPM have impacted the Left Front as a whole. Beyond issuing statements, the front has failed to raise major issues against the government, which has completed 100 days in office.

The ruling UDF government is currently enjoying the benefit and comfort of this situation. It is into the hands of this government that the ED has delivered evidence against the Opposition Leader, his daughter and son-in-law.