Thiruvananthapuram , 29 May (H.S.):

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Friday categorically denied any involvement of the state government in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids linked to the Exalogic-CMRL case and defended the police response during the operation, while dismissing CPM allegations of a political understanding between him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Addressing the media, Satheesan said the ED action was part of an investigation in a case that had already been registered by the central agency and that the state government had neither prior information about the raids nor any role in the operation.

“The ED did not inform the government before conducting the raids, nor did they communicate with us after completing the operation. It was an independent action by a central agency as part of an ongoing investigation,” the Chief Minister said.

He, however, praised Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and the Kerala Police for their swift intervention in preventing the situation from escalating into a major law-and-order issue. “Despite receiving no advance information, the Home Minister ensured that police personnel were deployed immediately and the tension at the site was effectively contained,” Satheesan said.

Mocking CPM allegations that the raids were the result of a supposed “Modi–V.D. deal,” Satheesan said such claims were absurd. “According to them, I met Narendra Modi and immediately asked him to raid Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence, and he promptly ordered raids at 12 locations. Such accusations are laughable,” he remarked sarcastically.

The Chief Minister questioned whether it was acceptable for a group of people to obstruct and confine officials of a central investigating agency carrying out their duties. “Such actions cannot be justified under any circumstances. Serious offences were committed during the incident,” he said.

Referring to the Exalogic case involving Veena Vijayan, daughter of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Satheesan said the allegations had been raised by the Congress years ago. He noted that the central agency had remained inactive while the previous government was in power and had resumed action only after the change in government.

He also criticised attempts to blame Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for the raids. “Instead of questioning Narendra Modi or Amit Shah, they are targeting Rahul Gandhi. Was Rahul Gandhi the one who ordered the raids?” he asked.

Satheesan reiterated that the Congress had consistently maintained its criticism of central agencies but pointed out that when courts direct investigations, a state government cannot interfere with the process. “The government’s responsibility begins only when there is a law-and-order issue,” he said.

The Chief Minister also expressed frustration over sections of the media, saying he had the right to decide when and how to respond to questions. Referring to recent criticism that branded him a “silent Chief Minister,” Satheesan said he preferred to study issues thoroughly before commenting.

He concluded by asserting that he was accessible to the media and should not be compared with previous administrations, insisting that transparency and accountability would continue to guide his government.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman