Kollam: Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi said on Thursday that several central agencies would soon arrive in Kerala to investigate a range of matters, including the KIIFB masala bonds case.

Suresh Gopi, who serves as Minister of State for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Tourism, added that issues such as the Sabarimala gold loss and the sexual assault allegations against Rahul Mamkootathil should not interfere with the local body election process.

“All that can be discussed and addressed after the local body polls. So, don’t look at any other issues. For all that, there is law and police here. Apart from that, CBI, NIA and ED will also come in connection with those matters. At that time, please do not kick around in panic,” he said at a party event.

He also clarified that the Enforcement Directorate’s notice to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was not a summons for his personal appearance, but a request for accounts related to the masala bonds issued by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).

The ED has issued show-cause notices to the CM, former finance minister T M Thomas Issac, and the Chief Minister’s chief principal secretary and KIIFB CEO K M Abraham in connection with the masala bond issue.

The investigation concerns the end-use of ₹2,000 crore raised by KIIFB through masala bonds and its compliance with FEMA norms. KIIFB, Kerala’s primary agency for financing major infrastructure projects, raised ₹2,150 crore in 2019 through its debut bond issue as part of a plan to mobilise ₹50,000 crore for state development.

Suresh Gopi said the focus during the local body poll campaign should be on Kerala’s infrastructure development and how voting for the BJP would support progress in the state. He also said Kerala should prepare for the prospect of the Olympics being hosted in India.

He described this not as a mere dream, but a “kalpana” that would eventually materialise. The Minister added that upgrading sports infrastructure in the state would be essential for such an event, and argued that voting for the BJP in both local body and Assembly elections would help make that possible.