‘If Pinarayi Vijayan has any shame, he should resign’: BJP alleges secret deal behind state government’s reluctance to register case

NEW DELHI: BJP Kerala state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has alleged that the state government is reluctant to register a case against Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan in the monthly pay-off case because of a “secret deal” between the ruling Congress and the CPM.

“If Pinarayi Vijayan has even a little shame, he should resign,” Rajeev Chandrasekhar said at a press conference.

He said the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had recommended registering a case based on the evidence available. “There is no obstacle for the state government to register a case. However, it is reluctant to take action,” he said.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar also questioned the Congress's position on the case. “During the Assembly election campaign, Rahul Gandhi had said that Pinarayi Vijayan would be sent to jail in connection with the monthly pay-off case. Is the Congress and Rahul Gandhi still standing by that position? They should make it clear,” he said.

He also referred to recent statements by CPM leaders, claiming that they pointed to a secret understanding between the CPM and the Congress.

“CPM general secretary M A Baby says Rahul Gandhi should become the Prime Minister. State secretary M V Govindan says they supported Rahul when the ED case against him came up. Doesn't all this point to a secret understanding?” Rajeev Chandrasekhar asked.

He further alleged that the CPM, which had previously criticised Rahul Gandhi, was now supporting his prime ministerial ambitions to protect Pinarayi Vijayan.

“The CPM, which once criticised Rahul Gandhi, is now trying to make him Prime Minister. This is being done to protect Pinarayi Vijayan,” he added.