‘Political vendetta': CPI(M) hits out at ED over directive to Kerala Police

'Political vendetta': CPI(M) hits out at ED over directive to Kerala Police According to Govindan, the ED's latest move was aimed at creating a fresh political controversy and putting pressure on the LDF leadership. South First Desk Published Sep 08, 2026 | 10:20 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 08, 2026 | 10:20 PM CPI(M) Kerala Secretary MV Govindan. Make Us Your Preferred Source on Google CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan has accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of pursuing a politically motivated campaign against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and MLA Mohammed Riyaz in connection with the CMRL-Exalogic controversy. Reacting to the ED's reported directive to the Kerala Police to register a case against Pinarayi Vijayan and Mohammed Riyaz under the Prevention of Corruption Act, Govindan alleged that the agency was attempting to revive and politically weaponise the case despite the conclusions of the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO). 'The ED is releasing such a letter with a political motive. It has continuously attempted to direct the investigation towards Pinarayi Vijayan. The latest example is the demand to register a case against Pinarayi and Riyaz,' Govindan said. He said the CPI(M) had made its position clear immediately after the SFIO report, anticipating the direction in which the case was being taken. Attempt to pressurise CPIM According to Govindan, the ED's latest move was aimed at creating a fresh political controversy and putting pressure on the LDF leadership. Govindan also questioned the legal basis of ED's demand, alleging that the agency had no documentary evidence apart from what he described as a 'fabricated statement.' He further claimed that an earlier attempt to pursue the matter had not found support before a Supreme Court bench headed by the Chief Justice. The CPI(M) state secretary alleged that the ED was now proceeding on the assumption that the UDF government in Kerala would cooperate with its demand, describing the move as an attempt to turn a central-agency investigation into an instrument of political vendetta. He also drew a parallel with the ED's handling of the Karuvannur case, alleging that the agency was following a similar pattern of targeting political leaders. Govindan challenged the Congress and the UDF to clarify their position on the ED's latest move. He pointed out that the Congress has been opposing the alleged misuse of central investigative agencies at the national level. 'Keralam is watching closely to see what stand the UDF government will take. The people of Keralam are also waiting to see whether the Congress will oppose what it describes as illegal action by central agencies at the national level when a similar situation arises in the state,' Govindan said. (Edited by Fayisa CA)