Kerala CM Pinaray Vijayan.
Credit: PTI Photo
The ruling CPM in Kerala, particularly Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, strongly denies allegations of a nexus with the BJP and RSS, but a series of such developments over the past few years adds more weight to the fresh charges.
Vijayan’s recent remarks against the Muslim-dominated Malappuram district and his efforts to protect an IPS officer — who met RSS-BJP leaders and allegedly played a role in creating troubles during the Thrissur Pooram — suggest a CPM-BJP/RSS nexus.
The disruption of the temple festival is said to have helped the BJP register its maiden Lok Sabha victory in Kerala.
The fact that central agencies didn’t take any action against Vijayan in connection with the allegations of gold and dollar smuggling also raises suspicions.
Several chief ministers of Opposition-ruled states have come under probe by central agencies, with many even being booked. The latest involves the Enforcement Directorate’s case against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Though the ED and Serious Fraud Investigation Office initiated a probe into the shady payments made by mining firm Cochin Minerals and Rutiles Ltd to the CM’s daughter earlier this year, no further action has been taken.
The SNC Lavalin corruption case against Vijayan has been adjourned around 40 times by the SC since 2017, mostly due to time sought by the CBI, which filed an appeal against the HC order discharging Vijayan.
The Vijayan government’s decision to lease four acres of land in Thiruvananthapuram to spiritual guide Sri M for 10 years in 2021 to set up a yoga centre also triggered allegations of a CPM-RSS nexus.