Row in Kerala as probe agency records statement of Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter

The reported recording of the statement of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter, T Veena, by Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) in Chennai sparked a fresh political row in the state on Sunday.
The allegation against Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter is that her now-defunct IT company, Exalogic Solutions Private Limited, had received funds in exchange for favours from the Chief Minister.
The opposition Congress claimed that it is an “election stunt” ahead of upcoming by-elections in the state, while the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) stated that there was no need to provide an explanation as it was a matter between two companies.
Opposition leader VD Satheesan accused the ruling CPI(M) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of collusion. “There is news that the by-election will be announced tomorrow. This is an attempt to make it look like CPI(M) and BJP are fighting just before the election announcement,” Satheesan said.
He added, “Today’s investigation is under the guise of announcing three by-elections. Even if it is actual questioning, it is part of a procedure.”
CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan dismissed the opposition’s claims, stating, “The party need not answer on an issue between companies. The only time we are interfering is when there is an attempt to drag Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s name into this.”
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs ordered a probe into financial dealings between a Kochi-based minerals company and Exalogic Solutions, the IT firm owned by Veena. The investigation was reportedly focused on transactions between the two companies.
The by-elections in Kerala will be held in three constituencies: Wayanad for the Lok Sabha and Palakkad and Chelakkara for the state assembly. With the elections nearing, the investigation into Veena’s business has become a contentious issue, further intensifying the political atmosphere in the state.