‘ED may arrest CPI(M) leaders to create a conducive political climate for the party’

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) may arrest a few leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] in Karuvannur cooperative bank loan case to create a political atmosphere conducive for the party to win the Lok Sabha elections in the State, according to Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala.

Taking part in a meetthepress programme in Kochi on Tuesday, Mr. Chennithala said the CPI (M) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would strike any deal to reduce the number of seats the Congress would win in the upcoming elections.

The acquittal of all the accused in the Riyas Moulavi murder case was the outcome of the understanding between the BJP and the CPI(M). Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who projects himself as the champion of protecting minority communities, should own up responsibility for the acquittal of Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh activists in the case. The government shall order a reinvestigation than preferring an appeal against the trial court verdict, Mr. Chennithala said.

The former Opposition leader was critical of the

Chief Minister for withdrawing criminal cases booked in connection with protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in Kerala on the eve of the elections. The government waited for four years to withdraw the cases, he said.

Mr. Chennithala said the Chief Minister was scared of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah and never uttered a word against the duo. However, he had always picked up Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for uncharitable attacks. Mr. Modi and Mr. Shah never ordered any probe against Mr. Vijayan, though the former had issued statements indicating the involvement of the office of the Kerala Chief Minister in the diplomatic channel gold smuggling case, he added.

Acquittal of all accused in Riyas Moulavi murder case is an outcome of understanding between the BJP and the CPI(M)