ED Raids Trigger Political Storm in Kerala as CPI(M), BJP Clash Over Exalogic-CMRL Case

Kochi, May 2026: The Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) raids at multiple locations linked to the controversial Exalogic-CMRL payment case sparked a major political confrontation in Kerala on Wednesday, with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) accusing the BJP-led Central government of political vendetta and the Bharatiya Janata Party demanding answers over alleged financial transactions involving former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter, Veena Vijayan.

The ED carried out coordinated searches at several premises associated with the case, including residences linked to Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena Vijayan, and former Kerala minister and Vijayan’s son-in-law P. A. Mohammed Riyas. The raids are part of an ongoing investigation into alleged payments made by Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) to Veena Vijayan’s IT firm, Exalogic Solutions.

The operation quickly escalated into a fierce political battle across the state, with both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and opposition parties exchanging sharp accusations.

CPI(M) workers staged protests in various districts of Kerala following the ED action. Party cadres and leaders accused the BJP government at the Centre of using investigative agencies to intimidate opposition leaders and weaken regional political forces.

CPI(M) General Secretary M. A. Baby strongly criticised the raids, alleging that the ED was being used as a political weapon against leaders who oppose the BJP and the Sangh Parivar. In a statement, the party described the searches as an attempt to target Vijayan and destabilise the CPI(M).

The CPI(M)’s Kerala unit issued a strongly worded statement calling the raids “a calculated assault on federalism, democracy and the constitutional right to political opposition.”

The party alleged that the BJP routinely used agencies such as the ED, CBI and Income Tax Department against political opponents when it failed to defeat them electorally.

“Leaders who consistently challenge the BJP-led Union government and refuse to submit to Sangh Parivar politics are being targeted through intimidation, media trials and selective investigations,” the CPI(M) said.

The party also questioned the silence of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala and asked whether the opposition alliance was indirectly supporting what it termed a “witch-hunt” against Vijayan.

Meanwhile, Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the state government had no prior information regarding the ED operation. He added that the central agency had not sought assistance from the Kerala Police during the raids.

“The Kerala government or the Home Ministry has no information about this raid. They did not seek our support either. We do not know the details of the operation. Questions regarding the raids should be addressed to the ED,” Chennithala told reporters.

On the other hand, senior BJP leader and MLA V. Muraleedharan defended the ED’s action and questioned the CPI(M)’s aggressive reaction to the investigation.

“If everything is transparent and legal, why is the CPI(M) panicking? Can the party explain why CMRL paid money to Veena Vijayan’s company?” Muraleedharan asked while addressing the media.

The ED investigation revolves around allegations that Exalogic Solutions received payments from CMRL without providing legitimate services in return. Earlier findings by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) and observations made during Income Tax proceedings had reportedly flagged suspicious financial arrangements described as monthly retainers.

In a Facebook post reacting to the raids, Mohammed Riyas declared that CPI(M) workers would continue their political struggle against the Sangh Parivar and would not be intimidated by central agencies.

“You may carry out attacks, but we will never bow before the Sangh Parivar. We will continue this fight till our last breath,” Riyas wrote.

Protests by CPI(M) workers and trade union activists were reported from several parts of Kerala following the ED action. Demonstrators accused the Centre of misusing investigative agencies to target political opponents ahead of upcoming political battles in the state.

The political controversy surrounding the Exalogic-CMRL case is expected to intensify further in the coming days as the ED continues its investigation and more questioning of key individuals linked to the alleged transactions is anticipated.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)