No MLA privilege needed; Matthew Kuzhalnadan vows full cooperation with vigilance probe

ERNAKULAM: Matthew Kuzhalnadan, MLA has responded to the news that the government has granted permission for a preliminary investigation by the vigilance department into complaints of benami transactions and tax evasion related to land purchases in Idukki. In a press conference, he stated that he had contacted the director of vigilance to inquire about the investigation and requested the necessary legal documentation if it pertained to him. Kuzhalnadan mentioned that he would provide a response after seeking legal counsel.

During the press conference, Kuzhalnadan emphasized the need for greater transparency in politics to bolster people's trust in democracy. He expressed his desire to set an example in this regard. He noted, "The government is free to initiate investigations at any level, and I will cooperate as a citizen, not just as an MLA. This presents an opportunity to reveal to the public how the government, often critical of the central government, employs state machinery to counter political opponents essentially engaging in power-driven tactics.”

He also considered this an opportunity to demonstrate how the vigilance and police systems function today. Kuzhalnadan asserted that if anyone believes they can suppress or paralyze the vigilance system, he will legally challenge them with the same zeal. He firmly believed that no one should be granted special privileges in the face of government investigations and declared his willingness to relinquish his MLA privileges if required.