'Let them tell what happened to CPM-BJP deal, how it broke down'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said that neither the Kerala Police nor the Home Department had any prior information regarding the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids conducted at different locations in the state in connection with the CMRL Exalogic case. He said that no one had informed the state of such a move and that no police assistance was sought for the raids. He added that ED officials carried out the raids with the help of central forces.

Chennithala said he has spoken to the DGP and the Home Secretary, both of whom confirmed that no information regarding the raids had been shared with the state police.

Meanwhile, he rejected allegations that there was a planned connection between Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan’s recent visit to Delhi and the ED raids that followed.

“After taking charge as Chief Minister, visiting Delhi and meeting the Prime Minister is part of administrative responsibilities. Several Chief Ministers have done the same in the past,” he said. He added that it was wrong to link routine administrative meetings with the ED action and said people would understand the political motives behind such claims.

Chennithala also strongly criticised the CPM’s allegation that the BJP and Congress were working together to target anti-BJP leaders.

“People clearly understand the positions of the Congress, BJP, and CPM. Such propaganda is going too far,” he said. He further asked the CPM to explain its own past relationship with the BJP.

“The CPM and BJP had the closest relationship earlier. They should tell the people what happened to that relationship and how it broke down,” he added.

The ED raids began early Wednesday morning at the rented residence of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the state capital, as well as at the house of former minister P A Mohammed Riyas and several other locations. Chennithala was responding to media questions regarding the raids.