Thiruvananthapuram: KM Abraham, Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, should be removed from his post and also from the role of CEO of KIIFB as he is facing a CBI investigation, said senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala. While speaking to reporters, Chennithala said that following the High Court's order related to illegal wealth accumulation and the registration of a CBI FIR against the Chief Principal Secretary, it has become beyond doubt that the Chief Minister’s Office is the biggest centre of corruption in Kerala.

“Pinarayi Vijayan has become the most corrupt Chief Minister in Kerala's history, with involvement in money laundering, illegal appointments, unauthorised contracts and monthly payment scandals. After his retirement, K.M. Abraham was appointed by Pinarayi Vijayan to lead his office as Chief Principal Secretary. When allegations related to KIIFB began to face investigation, it was decided to grant K.M. Abraham a cabinet rank. This move was part of a deal to shield certain individuals involved in KIIFB-related dealings. It is only a hint that bigger sharks are yet to be caught,” said Chennithala.

“The vigilance inquiry against K.M. Abraham and the Vigilance Court’s acceptance of it without much scrutiny were also severely criticised by the High Court. If the Vigilance Department could not even uncover the simple facts that the petitioner presented to the court, any ordinary person can understand the reason behind it. As the minister responsible for Vigilance, the Chief Minister, who is trying to save his associates from corruption cases, should at least show the basic decency to step down from overseeing the Vigilance Department,” he said.

Chennithala also criticised the Chief Minister’s action of having his wife, daughter and grandson seated with him at the review meeting of the Vizhinjam Port project, calling it extremely disgraceful and condemnable. He said the state government is not Pinarayi Vijayan’s private household. Veena Vijayan, against whom a charge sheet has been filed in a serious corruption case, was also present at the review meeting attended by the Prime Minister. Chennithala questioned how such a person could be included in such a meeting. He emphasised that the Vizhinjam port project is not a family matter for the Chief Minister and stated that such incidents should not be repeated.