Thiruvananthapuram, May 29: In a recent statement, former Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, responded to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids. He accused the central government of using federal agencies as political tools against opponents.
Speaking to the media after the Governor’s address in the Kerala Assembly, Vijayan initially discussed assembly proceedings. However, he appeared uncomfortable when questioned about the ED’s actions at his residence.
For the first time, Vijayan directly addressed the ED raids, alleging that the ruling BJP government is targeting its political adversaries. He stated, “Actions are being taken against non-BJP governments. The ED is being used as a weapon against political opponents.”
Vijayan criticized the Congress party, claiming it supports ED actions when politically convenient. He remarked, “When the actions do not affect them, the Congress backs it and wants these agencies to be used against opponents like Arvind Kejriwal and M.K. Stalin.”
He further asserted that the increasing use of central investigative agencies against opposition leaders undermines the country’s democratic traditions. While he briefly mentioned the financial dealings related to his daughter, Veena Vijayan, in the CMRL-Exalogic case, he refrained from elaborating.
Vijayan confirmed that a bank account belonging to Veena Vijayan has been frozen. He also noted that ED officials did not pose any questions during the raid.
He attempted to frame the raid as part of a larger pattern of alleged misuse of central agencies but avoided detailed commentary on the accusations and evidence being gathered.
His statements indicate that the ED investigation has transcended legal matters, becoming a focal point in Kerala’s evolving political landscape.
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