Kerala Opposition Leader Accuses BJP and Congress of Political Collusion

Kerala's political landscape crackled with tension on Saturday as Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan leveled explosive allegations against both the BJP-led central government and the Congress-ruled state administration. Speaking at a press conference in Kannur, the CPI(M) veteran claimed the Enforcement Directorate's pursuit of corruption charges against him revealed a "shared political agenda" between ideological opponents.

Unlikely Alliance Alleged

Vijayan's voice carried a mix of defiance and disbelief as he described the unusual cooperation between the BJP-controlled ED and the Congress state government. "There's something politically uncanny here," he told reporters, his words measured yet sharp. He noted that non-BJP parties nationwide—including Congress—had consistently accused the ED of being a "cat's paw" used to intimidate political opponents. The agency's targets have included Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

Yet in Kerala, Vijayan observed, Congress leaders appeared to "enthusiastically endorse" the ED's attempts to target CPI(M) figures. The contradiction hung in the air, suggesting either political convenience or deeper coordination.

Courts Have Spoken

The veteran politician reminded journalists that three separate courts had already rejected the corruption allegations. The Vigilance Court, Kerala High Court, and Supreme Court all dismissed claims that he abused his power as former Chief Minister to help chemical company CMRL—in which the state government holds a minority stake—in exchange for payments disguised as retainers to Exalogic.

Vijayan specifically called out Congress legislator Mathew Kuzhalnadan for what he called "relentless attempts to implicate him on false charges" to lay groundwork for an ED inquiry. The apex judiciary, he noted, had "trounced" these efforts.

"The ED's action amounts to judicial overreach, contempt of court, and double jeopardy."

Shifting Allegations

What frustrated Vijayan most was the ED's changing narrative. The case initially alleged he caused losses to CMRL—based on Serious Fraud Investigation Office claims that formed the probe's foundation. Recently, however, the agency shifted to accusing him of giving undue advantage to the chemical firm in exchange for bribes routed through his daughter's company.

Vijayan challenged both the ED and state government to specify what "undue benefit" he allegedly provided. "The transaction between the two firms was through legitimate banking channels and tax-compliant," he reiterated, adding that SFIO's allegation against Exalogic remains under challenge in Delhi High Court.