THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The opposition has decided to weaponize the controversy in the assembly in connection with the monthly payment being given to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter Veena Vijayan. The controversy is that Veena Vijayan was paid without service. Veena received Rs 1.72 crore in three years and this was found by the income tax dispute redressal board. The opposition's move is to discuss this in the assembly.

Veena was paid a monthly salary by a private company called Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL). The New Delhi bench of the Income Tax Interim Settlement Board said the payment was made in the name of a relationship with a prominent person.

Veena and her own firm Exalogic Solutions had entered into an agreement with CMRL. The agreement was to provide IT, marketing consultancy and software services. However, CMRL managing director S N Sasidharan Kartha gave a statement to the income tax department that although no services were provided, had paid monthly payments as per the contract.

Meantime, Mathew Kuzhalnadan MLA alleged that the chief minister has no reply to the queries regarding Veena's company. The chief minister evaded the question by shouting and challenging. His daughter personally received the money. The chief minister should clarify in what context the money was accepted. He said that this matter will be raised in the assembly. The MLA said the chief minister is responsible to inform people of Veena's money transaction.