Pinarayi Vijayan Denounces ED Raids as Political Vendetta

Pinarayi Vijayan, the former head of Kerala's government, has accused central authorities of conducting politically motivated raids against opposition figures. Speaking after the Enforcement Directorate searched his residence in connection with a financial investigation, he reiterated that such measures would neither intimidate him nor weaken the CPI(M).

Vijayan suggested the raids are a tactic employed by the BJP-led national administration to suppress dissent, describing them as part of an ongoing strategy of using central agencies against political opponents since coming to power. He mentioned his case is cited as a strategy, expressing that these raids falsely gratify opposition members.

The investigation is focused on allegations involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd, which purportedly paid a significant sum to a company linked to Vijayan's daughter without receiving services. Authorities conducted these searches despite the Kerala High Court recently rejecting an attempt to halt proceedings.

Vijayan criticized other opposition parties, like Congress, for staying silent on similar actions targeting leaders nationwide. The timing of these searches may include attempts to sideline opposition narratives before upcoming elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)