'Political Vendetta People Of Kerala Can Understand This Game': John Brittas On ED's Raid At Vijayan's Residence

(MENAFN- IANS) New Delhi, May 27 (IANS) CPI(M) MP, John Brittas, on Wednesday alleged "political vendetta” after Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials conducted searches linked to the CMRL-Exalogic case, including at the residence of former Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, in Thiruvananthapuram.

Speaking to reporters outside Vijayan's residence, Brittas said,“I am standing in front of the residence of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who is now the Opposition leader. This is not surprising; it appears to be a case of political vendetta. Comrade Pinarayi Vijayan has faced repeated scrutiny from central agencies. During the Emergency, he was also allegedly subjected to harsh treatment, and there were attempts against him. Several cases have been filed against him over the years.”

“The people of Kerala are capable of understanding this political game. It is also important to note that not only the BJP but also the Congress is being accused of being part of this process. Kejriwal was arrested, hunted and also put in Tihar with the collaboration of BJP and Congress,” he claimed.

Questioning the narrative surrounding conviction rates in such cases, Brittas further said,“What is a conviction case? Only those cases that are actually taken to court are highlighted. In reality, many other cases remain pending or unresolved. For example, if there are 1,000 cases, only about 100 may be taken forward to court, while the remaining 900 may remain in limbo. This creates a distortion of facts. Such narratives may mislead or fool certain journalists, but they cannot fool everyone.”

Pinarayi Vijayan, who is a senior CPI(M) Politburo member, came under the scanner of the ED on Wednesday after central agency sleuths arrived at his Thiruvananthapuram residence in connection with the high-profile CMRL-Exalogic illegal payment case.

The ED has already recorded the statement of Vijayan's daughter, Veena Vijayan, whose IT firm, Exalogic Solutions, is at the centre of the controversy.

While Pinarayi Vijayan has not been questioned so far, indications are that investigators may also record his statement as the probe progresses.

The coordinated operation began around 6 A.M., barely a day after the Kerala High Court allowed the ED to proceed with its investigation into the alleged financial transactions between CMRL and Exalogic.

ED teams simultaneously carried out searches at 10 locations across Kerala, including Vijayan's rented residence near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram, where Veena Vijayan also resides.

Searches were also conducted at the offices of CMRL and at premises linked to senior company officials, including Managing Director Sasidharan Kartha.

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