Thiruvananthapuram, 09 June (H.S.):

Senior leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] have largely refrained from publicly defending T. Veena, daughter of Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued a notice summoning her in connection with the CMRL-Exalogic financial transactions case.

Party leaders have adopted the position that Veena should address the matter through legal channels. CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas, speaking in New Delhi, said the investigation should be allowed to proceed and that Veena was fully capable of dealing with the issue legally. He noted that all relevant information had already been submitted to the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO).

Responding to allegations that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd. (CMRL) had made payments to political leaders across party lines, Brittas said a comprehensive investigation should be conducted into the company's political contributions. He questioned whether those who allegedly received donations had disclosed them to the Election Commission, suggesting that failure to do so would constitute a serious violation.

Senior CPI(M) leader N.N. Krishnadas also maintained that Veena had the ability to handle the case independently and that there was no need for the party to comment on the matter. “The case is against Veena, and she is capable of handling it legally,” he said, indicating that the party need not intervene in the issue.

Former Health Minister and CPI(M) Central Committee member K.K. Shailaja echoed a similar view, stressing that the case was against Veena and not the party. She said that if the ED had summoned her, she should appear before the agency and submit the required documents. “Neither the party nor the Leader of the Opposition has anything to do in this matter,” she added.

The cautious approach adopted by CPI(M) leaders comes in the wake of criticism faced by the party after protests erupted when ED officials had earlier visited Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence. United Democratic Front (UDF) leaders had questioned why party workers were protesting if Pinarayi Vijayan had no connection with the case.

Political observers say the restrained response from CPI(M) leaders reflects an attempt to avoid further controversy and allow the investigation to proceed without the party being drawn directly into the legal proceedings.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman