Thiruvananthapuram | CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan on Wednesday questioned why the ED was not investigating the funds allegedly received from Cochin-based mining company CMRL in the past by some ministers in the current UDF administration.
Terming the Enforcement Directorate (ED) move seeking registration of an FIR against opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena T and her husband P A Mohamed Riyas as "politically motivated", Govindan hinted at a possible deal between the Congress and the BJP on the issue.
He contended that ED's alleged bribery case involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) pertains to its financial transactions of around Rs 152 crore with various individuals and entities and of these only those with Veena and her now defunct firm, Exalogic Solutions, were being probed.
"What about the other transactions? The others who have admittedly received money from CMRL, as contribution, includes the current State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty and later former CM Oommen Chandy.
"Why is there no investigation regarding that? This clearly shows that ED is politically targeting Vijayan and Riyas," he alleged, while speaking to reporters here.
The Marxist veteran further claimed that the Congress has "double standards" on the issue as it opposes ED action against its own leaders, but has questioned in the past as to why the agency has not arrested Vijayan.
"So, there appears to be a deal in the making between the Congress and the BJP in the current matter. The process for that appears to be going on. We will deal with such moves both politically and legally. The people are waiting and watching as to what action the government will take," he contended.
His remarks come in the wake of ED sending a letter to DGP Ravada A Chandrasekhar seeking registration of an FIR against Vijayan, Veena, Riyas and some others in connection with the alleged CMRL bribery case on the basis of "evidence" gathered during its probe and searches conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The ED has alleged that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) made fraudulent payments of Rs 2.78 crore to Veena's now-defunct company, Exalogic Solutions, under the guise of "IT consultancy services".
The federal agency had searched premises linked to Veena, who was living with Vijayan at a rented accommodation in Thiruvananthapuram, in June and subsequently questioned her.