ED trying to malign Pinarayi through publicity stunts, alleges Keralam LDF convener

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is attempting to create a media spectacle and malign Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan by pasting a notice outside his residence as though it were dealing with an absconding accused, Left Democratic Front (LDF) convener T.P. Ramakrishnan alleged in Thrissur on Sunday (October 18, 2026).Speaking to mediapersons, Mr. Ramakrishnan said the ED was trying to create the impression that Mr. Vijayan was unavailable, thereby misleading the public. He questioned the agency’s haste in pursuing a case that was before the Supreme Court and accused it of acting in an unfair and politically motivated manner.“The ED is exploiting the opportunity for political vendetta instead of handling the case on its merits,” he said, referring to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case against Mr. Vijayan and former Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas.Mr. Ramakrishnan alleged that the ED’s actions were being carried out with the support of the State government. He said the LDF would expose what it considered the agency’s unjustified actions before the public.On KIIFBThe LDF convener also criticised the government’s decision to discontinue Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) projects unilaterally, warning that the move could leave ongoing development works in uncertainty.The government must clarify how projects already under way would be completed if the funding mechanism or implementation arrangements were discontinued, he said.Mr. Ramakrishnan rejected attempts to portray the land acquisition issue in Kannur as a justification for scrapping KIIFB projects. If irregularities or other problems had arisen in land acquisition, the government should order a specific inquiry and take appropriate action against those responsible instead of abandoning an entire development initiative, he argued.“Land is essential for development, and acquiring the land required for public projects is the government’s responsibility, particularly when land prices are rising steadily,” he said.He also expressed apprehension that the proposed changes could pave the way for construction projects to be handed over to private corporate interests, with toll collection becoming a means of recovering the cost. He questioned whether there was an attempt to facilitate such a model at the expense of the public.Sale of wineIn a separate criticism, Mr. Ramakrishnan described as “ridiculous” the Excise Minister’s reported claim that he was unaware of the permission granted for the sale of high-alcohol-content wine through a bakery at Meladoor.He questioned how a licence for such sales could have been issued without the knowledge of the Excise department or the Minister in charge of the portfolio.“Even if the Minister’s claim is accepted for the sake of argument, he is duty-bound to disclose who granted the permission. Will action be taken against those responsible for issuing it?” he asked.Mr. Ramakrishnan maintained that Keralam had a clearly defined regulatory system for the sale of liquor and reiterated the LDF’s position that liquor sales should not be permitted through private retail outlets outside the established system.He urged the government to withdraw from any policy that would allow private-sector liquor sales through such channels, arguing that the issue raised questions about regulatory oversight and accountability. Published - October 18, 2026 07:38 pm IST