Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, during a press conference on Wednesday, strongly criticised sections of the media when questioned about the CMRL pay-off case, which allegedly involves his daughter. “You want my blood, but it won’t be that easy,” he snapped, directing the comment at the media without naming it explicitly.

Although Vijayan refrained from commenting on the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) probe, he appeared to ridicule the motives of central agencies and others drawing attention to the controversy. “I’m not worried. The legal case is progressing,” he stated.

Defending his daughter, Vijayan said the money she received was a legitimate payment for services rendered by her firm. “It is not black money. All taxes and accounts have been filed with proper documentation. You are running a campaign by hiding these facts,” he said.

Kerala steps up war on drugs

The Chief Minister highlighted the state’s intensified campaign against drug abuse, particularly among the youth, stressing the long-term dangers it poses.

Vijayan informed that a wide-ranging review meeting had been held to assess current anti-drug strategies. Various departments presented their initiatives, and these findings will now be reviewed by an expert committee for further implementation.

To strengthen collective resistance, he announced that a meeting with religious leaders is scheduled for April 16, followed by an all-party meeting on April 17. “In a short span, 2,503 drug sources have been reported. Strict action is being taken against those who supply and traffic drugs,” the Chief Minister said.

Waqf amendment, ASHA protest and BJP ties with Christians also addressed
Responding to various questions from the media, Vijayan commented on the Centre’s Waqf Amendment Act, the recent outreach by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) towards the Christian community, and the ongoing protests by ASHA workers.