Thiruvananthapuram, Apr7 (UNI) Ahead of the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal has issued an open letter to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, raising ten pointed questions about governance, alleged political understandings, and key controversies from the past decade.
Framing the letter as a reflection of public concerns, Venugopal said that as Kerala stands on the threshold of another election, several unresolved issues from Vijayan’s ten-year tenure continue to be widely discussed among people. He expressed hope that the Chief Minister would respond to what he described as the most pressing questions facing the state.
The Congress leader’s questions focus heavily on alleged “deals” between the state government and the BJP-led Centre. He sought clarity on Vijayan’s meetings in New Delhi with union Home Minister Amit Shah and union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, particularly those held without officials, asking whether any political understanding was reached during those interactions.
Venugopal also referred to multiple meetings with union Minister Nitin Gadkari, questioning whether any unofficial engagements took place outside Delhi and if they were linked to undisclosed arrangements.
A key issue raised in the letter is the implementation of the PM SHRI scheme in Kerala. Venugopal alleged that the state government went ahead with the scheme despite opposition from CPI, a key LDF ally, and questioned whether this indicated a covert understanding with the BJP, bypassing coalition partners.
He further criticised the state’s handling of the Centre’s labour codes, alleging that decisions were taken in secrecy without consulting allies, and pointed to the steep hike in trade union registration fees as evidence of policy shifts that warranted explanation.
On legal matters, Venugopal highlighted the prolonged delays in the SNC-Lavalin case involving the Chief Minister, questioning whether repeated adjournments in the Supreme Court were linked to political considerations.
He also accused Vijayan of softening his stance towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for personal or political reasons.
The letter also touched on the Exalogic case and alleged attempts to stall investigations by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), while raising questions about a possible link to the Kodakara hawala case and the status of Enforcement Directorate proceedings involving the Chief Minister’s family.
Additionally, Venugopal demanded clarity on allegations against ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar, including claims of links with RSS leaders and the alleged disruption of Thrissur Pooram. He also referred to reported meetings involving spiritual leader Shri M and BJP leaders, asking whether any agreement was reached.
The Congress leader further questioned why investigations into gold smuggling and dollar smuggling cases involving former top officials in the Chief Minister’s office appeared to have stalled, and sought an update on the Justice V.K. Mohanan Commission set up by the state government.
Concluding the letter, Venugopal said he was awaiting a response from the Chief Minister, asserting that the people of Kerala deserve clear answers on these issues as the state heads into a crucial electoral contest.
UNI DS AAB