‘Document released with BJP leadership’s permission’; Shone George says ‘Pinarayi’s blackmailing has ended’

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP leader Shone George said the diary entry containing the names of various political leaders who allegedly received money in the CMRL monthly pay-off case was released with the permission of the BJP leadership. He also said he would quit public life if anyone proved that BJP leader and MLA V. Muraleedharan had filed a complaint against him.

“No one should dilute the BJP’s stand. As a political party, it may have received funds. I received only one page. There is no person named Muraleedharan on that list. There is nothing wrong with receiving money as a political party. It is enough if the amount is recorded in the party accounts,” Shone George said.

He said the government decided to conduct a preliminary inquiry without registering an FIR only 15 days after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) sent a letter seeking action against Pinarayi Vijayan, Mohammed Riyas and Veena under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

“The documents were released yesterday to expose the understanding behind this,” Shone said. He alleged that Pinarayi had used the list to threaten the UDF and V. D. Satheesan.

“The money received by those who were in power is nothing but a bribe,” he said. Shone added that the BJP remained firm on its demand for an FIR and investigation into the case. He also alleged that some people were trying to divert attention from the alleged corruption and those who supported it.

The diary controversy intensified after Shone George released pages said to be from CMRL Managing Director S. N. Sasidharan Kartha’s diary. The documents have reportedly been presented as part of records submitted by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) to the court.