‘Evidence exists, serious allegations against Pinarayi handed over by ED; action not politically motivated,’ says CM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A decision on the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) recommendation against Pinarayi Vijayan would be taken after legal examination, said Chief Minister V D Satheesan while addressing the media after the cabinet meeting. The ED had sent a letter to the DGP, seeking registration of a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The letter was based on allegations that Pinarayi Vijayan, while serving as chief minister, had received a bribe of Rs 3.28 crore through his daughter T Veena in connection with the CMRL–Exalogic transactions.

Satheesan clarified that there was no political motive in deciding whether to register a case based on ED’s letter and said that the agency had handed over serious matters to the state police. He also asked whether the letter be returned because it came from the ED. Political parties receive donations from individuals and companies. This case is not like that. The letter submitted by the ED contains matters beyond that. The CPM was merely trying to justify the situation and that the party was now on the defensive, said the chief minister.

The chief minister also clarified that he had not discussed PM SHRI scheme with Rahul Gandhi during his visit to Delhi. Neither Rahul Gandhi nor I have spoken to the media on this issue. Then where did this news come from?

Satheesan also said that he has no grudge towards Congress leader Chenthi Anil for stopping him on the road and that he had forgiven him. He said that after Chenthi Anil was released from jail and apologised, he became bigger and I became smaller, referring to his decision to forgive him.

Satheesan said discussions were underway to resolve the electricity crisis in the state and that a solution would be found. He said the cancellation of the power purchase agreement signed during the tenure of Oommen Chandy had resulted in a setback. The state now has to purchase electricity at higher prices, he said, adding that demand has also increased compared with the previous year.