Thiruvananthapuram: Coming down heavily on the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for reducing the Kodakara hawala case to a mere highway robbery in its charge sheet, CPM state secretary M.V. Govindan criticised the agency for acting as a tool in the hands of the BJP. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, he said this was an example of the agency’s political bias.

Govindan alleged that the charge sheet was filed in a manner that did not implicate BJP leaders, suggesting a deliberate attempt to shield the party’s leadership, including then-state president K. Surendran. He accused the ED of protecting BJP leaders by whitewashing their involvement in the case.

With the filing of the charge sheet, the case has now been reduced to the narrative that ₹3.56 crore, given by Dharmajan to his driver for purchasing land, was looted. “Where did Dharmajan get this money? What is happening now is that the ED is introducing some nonsensical narrative to protect BJP leadership in the state. It seems the ED is acting like the RSS and BJP. They are willing to take any unethical stand to protect the RSS and BJP in Kerala,” said Govindan.

“What is the ED’s approach in handling the Karuvannur bank scam case?” asked Govindan. He alleged that the ED had taken strict action against the CPM regarding issues related to the Karuvannur Cooperative Bank, freezing the party’s accounts and spreading false propaganda. He criticised the agency for targeting the CPM while allowing BJP leaders to go unscathed.

Govindan announced that a public protest would be held on March 29 in front of the ED office in Kochi against its stance.