Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister V D Satheesan stated that the state government had no involvement in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids conducted at the residence of Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan and other locations, as the case pertains to a money laundering investigation by the central agency.
Satheesan's remarks on the raids
Addressing reporters in the state capital, Satheesan said it was the responsibility of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) to approach the court if they suspect any political motive or illegality in the ED actions. He also highlighted that Vijayan did not blame Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the minister in charge of the ED after the raid, but instead accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Comparison with Congress
Satheesan pointed out that the Congress party did not resort to violence when Rahul Gandhi was subjected to ED raids for 55 hours. He termed the attack on ED officials as a crime and assured that action would be taken against the culprits.
State government's stance
The Chief Minister said the ED arrived with central forces and did not inform the state government about the raids. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala deployed state police to prevent any law-and-order situation. Satheesan added that the ED also did not inform the state police when they planned to exit the house. He described the attack on the ED vehicle as unfortunate and confirmed that the police had already arrested the perpetrators.
Satheesan noted that while it is easy for police to enter any party office and arrest people, they exercised restraint. He commended the Home Minister for this approach.
Legal proceedings
An FIR has been registered and an investigation is underway. The Chief Minister affirmed that the objective is to ensure that those responsible are punished, and no one who commits a crime will escape legal action.
Allegations of funding
Satheesan clarified that while all political parties receive donations, the case involves a company transferring large sums to another company without client service, amounting to money laundering. He emphasized that there is no connection between political parties and politicians receiving money from companies in this context.
Meeting with PM Modi
Satheesan described his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a courtesy call, noting that the former Chief Minister has met him several times. He dismissed CPM's insinuations that the raids occurred after his meeting with Modi as mere jokes.
Vande Mataram controversy
Commenting on the recent controversy over Vande Mataram, Satheesan stated that recitation of the national song is a guideline, and the United Democratic Front (UDF) and Congress have their own decisions on the matter. He said if the Governor has any complaints, they will discuss it.
