CPI(M), CPI reject rift claims over ED's moves against Pinarayi Vijayan

Leader of the Opposition in the Keralam Assembly Pinarayi Vijayan has rejected the suggestion that the CPI(M) and the CPI differ politically or legally on the Enforcement Directorate's use as an instrument of the BJP-led Union government to harass, intimidate, tarnish and hold back political opponents.

Speaking at a press conference in Kannur, Mr. Vijayan said the CPI(M) was not the ED's only target. He pointed to Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who he said had strongly condemned the agency for what was described as a politically motivated witch hunt against Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, carried out at the BJP's behest.

"Non-BJP parties realise the ED's pernicious rule in Indian politics. If any party has a different opinion, you should ask them," Mr. Vijayan said, responding to a journalist who noted that the CPI did not appear to be echoing the CPI(M)'s position that the ED was targeting the former Chief Minister, his daughter T. Veena and son-in-law and former Minister Mohamed Riyas for political reasons and with the ulterior motive of retarding the LDF.

Asked why the CPI was not openly defending Mr. Vijayan at a time when the ED has sought a Prevention of Corruption Act case against him from the Congress-led United Democratic Front government, CPI State secretary Binoy Viswam said the party's politics dovetails with that of the LDF. "There is no variance on larger political questions," he said.

Pressed further, Mr. Viswam said the CPI was not fully aware of the ED's report to the Kerala government seeking Mr. Vijayan's indictment on corruption charges. He added that the LDF would resist as one any Central agency seeking to play politics at the Centre's behest.