CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby delivered a pointed critique of the BJP-led Central government and the Congress party during a press conference on May 27. This condemnation followed the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) raids at ten locations across Kerala, which are linked to former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his family, and associates as part of the controversial CMRL-Exalogic case. Baby labeled the ED's actions as “a heinous crime against Pinarayi Vijayan,” emphasizing what he perceives as the misuse of Central agencies for political gain against the CPI(M) and its leadership.
Beginning at 6 a.m. on the day of the raids, the ED conducted simultaneous searches at various locations, including Vijayan's residences in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur, as well as the home of former Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas. Riyas, who is also the husband of Vijayan's daughter, was implicated in the investigation surrounding the financial dealings of her IT firm, Exalogic. Allegations suggest that Exalogic received payments from Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) for services that were reportedly not provided.
- ED raids linked to Vijayan — targeting locations associated with him and his family
- Political implications — Baby accuses the BJP of using the ED for political persecution
- Public outrage — Protests erupt in Kannur and Kozhikode against the ED's actions
While addressing the ongoing situation, Baby distanced the CPI(M) from the merits of the case, stating, “I am not going into the merits of the CMRL issue. The company itself has made its position clear.” This indicates a strategic approach by the party to maintain focus on the broader implications of the raids rather than the specifics of the allegations. Baby also drew historical parallels to the Emergency era, suggesting that Pinarayi Vijayan has faced similar political targeting in the past, implying that the current government is repeating such tactics.
The response from the CPI(M) has been swift, with protests erupting in Kozhikode and Kannur, where party members raised slogans against the Central government and the ED. Senior leaders convened for emergency discussions, hinting that protests may expand throughout Kerala as the situation evolves. In addition, security measures have been heightened for BJP leader Shaun George, who played a role in advancing complaints related to the case to the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), indicating the potential for escalating tensions between party factions.
