CMRL-Exalogic payoff case: RMP, outside ally of ruling UDF in Keralam, opposes govt stand in HC

The Revolutionary Marxist Party (RMP), an associate member of the Congress-led ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) in Keralam, has come out against the State government’s stand in the Kerala High Court in the CMRL-Exalogic payoff case involving Opposition Leader and Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and her husband and CPI(M) MLA P.A. Mohamed Riyas.

In a social media post, K.K. Rema, Vadakara MLA and RMP leader, has written that the UDF government’s stand “undermines its declared position against corruption.” She said the government’s initial decision to constitute a special investigation team to independently examine the evidence provided by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the case, rather than register a case solely on its report, was politically justified. However, she said the government’s stand before a High Court Division Bench, in the appeal filed by Mr. Vijayan against a Single Judge order directing registration of a corruption case and an investigation by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB), should be criticised.

In another statement, RMP State secretary N. Venu said the government’s stand was “against the people’s wishes.” He also alleged that the Advocate General ridiculed the complainant K.M. Shajahan and supported Mr. Vijayan’s arguments before the Division Bench. Mr. Venu pointed out that the UDF came to power partly as a result of the public sentiment against the alleged corruption of Mr. Vijayan. Insulting Mr. Shajahan, who had been advocating an electoral victory for the UDF, amounted to “ridiculing that popular mandate,” he said.

“The people have a right to know why the Chief Minister took full responsibility for the arguments presented by the Advocate General in the High Court,” he said.

Despite the government’s position in favour of a preliminary inquiry, the High Court ordered the registration of a case against Mr. Vijayan, Ms. Veena, and Mr. Riyas. The VACB subsequently registered two FIRs.

The RMP, though not an official member of the UDF, is a crucial outside partner. Its support is essential for the UDF’s electoral success in Kozhikode district, especially in the Vadakara area. This is for the first time that the RMP is openly objecting to the government’s stand on an issue.

‘Restore moral credibility’

Ms. Rema said in her post that the presence of a leader facing serious corruption allegations as Opposition Leader was “undermining the moral credibility of democratic politics.” Alleging that Mr. Vijayan and his family were facing serious charges involving monthly payments, bribes and hawala transactions, Ms. Rema said the Opposition parties should take steps to restore the moral credibility of their politics.

The issue was not about who should occupy the post of Deputy Leader of the Opposition, but whether Opposition parties were willing to remove a leader facing corruption allegations from his position, she added.