Thiruvananthapuram,27 May (H.S.):
Former Kerala Chief Minister and senior CPM leader Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday described the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) searches at his rented residence in Thiruvananthapuram as part of a larger “politically motivated campaign” against opposition leaders, and asserted that such actions would not weaken the Left movement.
Addressing party workers and supporters after the ED team completed its inspection, Vijayan said the raids should be viewed only as “the beginning” of a wider attempt to target political opponents.
“Some people appear to derive satisfaction from these raids, especially leaders like Rahul Gandhi, who repeatedly questioned why Pinarayi Vijayan had not been raided or arrested,” he alleged. “The BJP government has consistently used central agencies to intimidate opposition parties and their workers across the country.”
Vijayan accused the Congress of remaining silent when central agencies target parties outside its political fold. He maintained that the CPM and the Left Democratic Front would continue to resist what he termed “deliberate political attacks.”
“These actions will not finish us. No one should imagine that such measures can break our spirit. What was visible here today was the emotion and solidarity of the people and party workers,” he said.
The former Chief Minister also praised CPM cadres for standing firmly with the party during what he described as repeated attempts by political rivals to weaken the organisation.
“We have always received wholehearted support from our comrades whenever enemies tried to attack the party. That support remains intact even today. Together, we can face any challenge,” he added.
Soon after the ED officials completed the searches and attempted to leave the premises, tension escalated outside the residence. A large number of CPM workers gathered at the spot and protests quickly turned violent.
According to police sources, protesters allegedly attacked the vehicle used by ED officials, smashing both the front and rear windshields after the officers got inside the car. Police personnel deployed at the scene attempted to disperse the crowd, leading to clashes between protesters and security forces.
The police later resorted to a baton charge to bring the situation under control. Officials said some ED personnel sustained minor injuries during the violence. Investigations into the incident are continuing.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
