Leadership stunned; followed by defensive response

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM was stunned by the unexpected raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at several locations, including the rented residences of former Chief Minister and Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan, who is widely regarded by the ranks as the party's captain. The raids were carried out soon after the Kerala High Court dismissed a petition seeking to halt the ED investigation into the Exalogic-CMRL financial dealings.

The ED reportedly took advantage of the holiday period to carry out the searches. Since neither the police nor other authorities were informed in advance, the party was unable to mount any immediate response. Searches reportedly lasted for nearly eight hours at multiple locations, including the residence of Pinarayi Vijayan and the office linked to his daughter, Veena Vijayan.

The CPM had earlier taken a legal stand against the ED notices, arguing that the allegations had no basis. The party and Pinarayi Vijayan reportedly did not expect such swift action within 24 hours of the High Court’s dismissal of the petition.

Although the party initially appeared shaken by the raids, it quickly organised protests across the state. In a sense, the incident became a rallying point for the CPM after its recent electoral setbacks. Following the election defeat, former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPM state secretary M. V. Govindan had been facing severe criticism in party meetings from various quarters. However, the focus of that criticism shifted after the ED raids, with party workers taking to the streets in support of Pinarayi Vijayan. At the same time, Pinarayi Vijayan’s remarks during the earlier ED raid at the residence of Bineesh Kodiyeri also became a topic of discussion. Critics pointed out that Pinarayi had not come forward strongly in support of Bineesh at the time, but had now mobilised the entire party when the issue involved his daughter.

While protests erupted across the state, the situation in the capital reportedly escalated beyond control. Attempts to frame the raids as a political vendetta led to clashes, including the attack on an ED vehicle and the assault on officials. Senior party leaders, including state and district leadership, were present during the protests, after which some attackers were handed over to the police. The party believes the ED may not have recovered any major evidence during the raids.

Warning to others
The ED action is being viewed as a strong message. The raids targeted the residence of one of the most powerful political leaders in the state and his family, signalling that investigations will proceed regardless of political influence or position.