VD Satheesan defends silence on ED raids linked to Pinarayi Vijayan case

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala CM VD Satheesan on Friday defended his decision to remain silent on the ED raids linked to cases against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, saying he would respond only after studying the matter in detail.

He was speaking to the media after the government’s first policy address in the Assembly.

“At least give me the freedom to decide when to answer your questions,” Satheesan told reporters when pressed on his silence over the issue.

He said the case was registered by a central agency and was being handled as part of its investigation process. “The state government has no role in this,” he said.

Satheesan also spoke about broader governance issues, calling for major changes in the tourism sector and measures to plug leakages in the state treasury.

Further he said the five Indira Guarantees promised by the UDF would be implemented, adding that his vision was to transform Kerala into a major port city.

Satheesan said the government planned to launch a major integrated project linking two international ports, a container terminal and 17 minor ports across the state. He also said Kerala would be developed into the largest aviation hub in South Asia.

The Chief Minister announced that the government would extend support to 10,000 small and medium enterprises, with further details to be outlined in the upcoming Budget.

He said the cooperative sector in Kerala was facing decline and assured that steps would be taken to revive the cooperative movement. The higher education sector would also be comprehensively modernised, he added.

On law and order, Satheesan said the government would take strong action against narcotics and dismantle drug networks operating in the state.

Responding to criticism from the Opposition regarding policy neutrality, Satheesan said the government was implementing the policies of the new administration and not those of the previous government.