Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has rejected the CPI(M)’s allegation that the Congress-led state government is colluding with the Centre over the Enforcement Directorate’s action against former Chief Minister and CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan in the Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) case.

Satheesan said the government would allow the legal process to take its course, as political tensions intensified after the ED sought registration of an FIR against Vijayan, his daughter T Veena and son-in-law P.A. Mohammed Riyas under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Satheesan Rejects CPM’s Allegation

The Chief Minister’s response comes a day after CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan accused the ED of politically targeting Vijayan and Riyas. The CPI(M) has described the central agency’s action as politically motivated and questioned the role of the Congress-led government in the matter.

Satheesan rejected the suggestion of any understanding between the Congress-led Kerala government and the Centre, maintaining that the government would follow the law in dealing with the ED communication.

The ED has formally approached the Kerala Director General of Police seeking registration of a separate FIR in connection with its findings in the CMRL-linked case.

ED Seeks FIR Against Vijayan, Veena and Riyas

The ED has asked the Kerala Police to register a case against Pinarayi Vijayan, T Veena, Mohammed Riyas and others under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The agency’s request relates to alleged payments made by CMRL to Veena’s IT company, Exalogic Solutions. According to the ED, Exalogic received around ₹2.78 crore from CMRL as consultancy payments despite allegedly not providing the claimed services.

The agency has also alleged that its investigation uncovered evidence pointing to a wider financial trail and alleged hawala transactions. These are allegations by the investigating agency and have not been established as offences by a court.

Vijayan Denies Hawala Allegations

Pinarayi Vijayan has rejected allegations against himself and his family.

He has previously said that his “hands are clean” and that neither he nor his family members were involved in hawala dealings. Vijayan has also argued that his daughter was subjected to unusual scrutiny because of her relationship with him.

The latest ED request therefore comes amid a continuing dispute over both the substance of the allegations and the manner in which the investigation is being pursued.

CPI(M) Accuses ED of Political Motive

The CPI(M) has mounted a strong political defence of Vijayan and Riyas.

Party state secretary M.V. Govindan has accused the ED of attempting to create narratives against senior CPI(M) leaders and described the agency’s action as politically motivated.

The party has also questioned whether the Congress-led government will act on the ED’s request, given that the state police come under the Home Department of the state government.

The CPI(M)’s allegations of political targeting are claims by the party and have not been independently established.

Congress Government to Examine ED Request

The ED’s request has placed the Congress-led state government in a politically sensitive position.

State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has said the government will examine the communication received from the central agency. The final decision on registering an FIR rests with the state police after considering the ED’s report and applicable law.

This has given the issue a dual political and legal dimension, with the CPI(M) accusing the government of cooperating with the Centre while the Congress maintains that the investigation must be dealt with according to law.

CMRL Case Has Been Under ED Probe

The case stems from investigations into financial transactions involving CMRL and Exalogic Solutions.

The ED’s investigation followed earlier scrutiny by the Income Tax Department and other agencies. In May, the central agency conducted searches at locations connected with the case, including premises linked to Pinarayi Vijayan. The Kerala High Court had also allowed the ED investigation to continue after dismissing a petition seeking to quash the proceedings.

The ED has now sought a separate police FIR based on material it says emerged during its investigation.

Legal Process Now in Focus

The latest development does not amount to a conviction or a judicial finding of wrongdoing against Vijayan, Veena or Riyas.

The ED has made allegations and requested registration of a case. The Kerala Police and, subsequently, the courts will determine how the matter proceeds.

For Satheesan’s government, the immediate challenge is to demonstrate that the decision-making process is based on law rather than political considerations. For the CPI(M), the issue has become another point of confrontation with both the central agencies and the Congress-led state administration.

As the ED’s request is examined, the political battle in Kerala is likely to continue alongside the legal process.

VD Satheesan Sworn in as Kerala Chief Minister with Full Cabinet

Thiruvananthapuram: Congress leader VD Satheesan took oath as Chief Minister of Kerala on Monday morning at the Central Stadium, marking a significant political shift in the state as the Congress-led United Democratic Front assumed power after a decade. 

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath to Satheesan, who chose to take it in Malayalam. In a rare move not seen in 60 years, the entire cabinet of 21 members, including the Chief Minister, was sworn in together during the ceremony. The last such instance was in 1962 when R. Sankar took oath with his full team.

Historic Cabinet Formation

The development comes days after the UDF's decisive victory in the assembly elections, where the alliance secured 102 seats out of 140, with the Congress emerging as the single largest party winning 63. This result ended the 10-year rule of the Left Democratic Front led by Pinarayi Vijayan.

Senior Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were present at the venue, displaying unity. Rahul Gandhi and Satheesan shared a warm hug after the oath-taking. Outgoing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar also attended the event.

Several chief ministers from Congress-ruled states, including Karnataka's Siddaramaiah, Telangana's Revanth Reddy, and Himachal Pradesh's Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, graced the occasion. Shashi Tharoor was notably absent due to a foreign trip to Boston.

Ministers Take Oath

Among those who took oath were senior leaders like Ramesh Chennithala, K. Muraleedharan, PK Kunhalikutty, Mons Joseph, Sunny Joseph, and Shibu Baby John. Newer faces in the cabinet included 14 first-time ministers such as PC Vishnunadh, Roji M. John, Bindhu Krishna, N. Samsudheen, CP John, and others.

Congress leaders expressed optimism and a sense of responsibility. PC Vishnunadh described the moment as "a proud moment and a great responsibility," adding that portfolios would be decided soon. Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan acknowledged the challenging role ahead but pledged to work for success, noting it as a "liberation of a generation."

Ground Reactions and Political Context

The swearing-in ceremony drew large crowds and reflected the enthusiasm among Congress workers who had long awaited this day. Congress MP K Suresh termed it a celebration of victory, while Shafi Parambil promised to fulfil all election commitments made to the people.

The selection of Satheesan as Chief Minister followed some internal deliberations. While Rahul Gandhi was initially inclined towards KC Venugopal, strong support from party workers and allies in Kerala tilted the balance in favour of Satheesan, a seasoned leader with deep roots in the state unit.

Opposition Voices

BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain reacted by saying that while Kerala would have a Congress government, the agenda would be dictated by the Muslim League, and that the BJP would keep a close watch. The presence of UDF allies, including the Indian Union Muslim League, has been a point of political commentary.

What Lies Ahead

The new government is expected to hold its first cabinet meeting soon to take key decisions. With 14 fresh faces in the ministry, the focus will likely be on delivering on promises related to governance, development, and addressing local issues that contributed to the UDF's strong mandate.

Satheesan, aged 61, brings experience as a long-time Congress legislator and state leader. His leadership will now be tested as he steers the coalition government through its initial months.

The ceremony at the Central Stadium unfolded smoothly under clear skies, with tight security and visible excitement among supporters who gathered since early morning. Many viewed the event not just as a change of guard but as a new chapter for Kerala politics after years of Left rule. 

As the new team settles in, attention will turn to policy priorities and how the Congress-led dispensation balances coalition compulsions with effective administration in the state.

Congress Names VD Satheesan as Kerala Chief Minister After Prolonged Deliberations

Paravur MLA to lead UDF government following 102-seat victory

The Congress on Thursday named senior leader VD Satheesan as the Chief Minister-designate of Kerala, ending days of intense speculation and internal consultations within the party. The announcement comes nearly 10 days after the United Democratic Front (UDF) secured a decisive mandate in the state assembly elections.

Satheesan, who represents the Paravur constituency in Ernakulam district, is expected to take oath in the coming days. The development was welcomed by Congress leaders, with Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Sunny Joseph terming it “a very good decision” that would strengthen the party and the alliance.

High command steps in after suspense

The selection process witnessed considerable suspense for over nine days, with multiple names doing the rounds. Congress high command had summoned several senior leaders, including former state unit presidents, to Delhi earlier this week for final discussions. A key meeting was held at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence on May 9.

Party General Secretary Jairam Ramesh had indicated on Wednesday that all internal consultations had been completed, paving the way for the announcement. Sources said the delay was due to careful assessment of various factors, including legislative support and alliance sentiments.

Preference vs final choice

According to party insiders, Rahul Gandhi’s initial preference was for KC Venugopal. At a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP), Venugopal reportedly received backing from 75-80 per cent of the MLAs. Satheesan secured support from six legislators during the initial round of discussions.

However, the situation evolved in the following days. Three former state presidents extended support to Satheesan, which appears to have tilted the balance. Crucially, key UDF allies — the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Kerala Congress (Joseph) — also conveyed their backing for the Paravur MLA.

UDF’s strong mandate

The Congress-led UDF registered a significant victory in the recently held assembly polls, winning 102 seats in the 140-member Kerala Legislative Assembly. The result marked a clear shift away from the Left Democratic Front (LDF), which had been in power for the previous term.

Despite the comfortable majority, the delay in naming the Chief Minister had invited criticism from the opposition, particularly the CPI(M), which questioned the Congress’s ability to provide stable governance.

Satheesan’s political profile

A seasoned politician and former Leader of Opposition in the assembly, VD Satheesan enjoys considerable experience both inside and outside the legislature. Known for his organisational skills and sharp debating abilities, he has held several key positions within the party over the decades. His selection is being seen as a move that balances experience with the need for a fresh face at the helm.

Party workers in several districts expressed relief at the resolution of the leadership question, hoping it would allow the new government to focus on immediate governance challenges including infrastructure, employment, and flood preparedness.

Challenges ahead for new dispensation

The incoming UDF government will assume office at a time when Kerala continues to grapple with economic pressures, high unemployment among the youth, and recurring natural calamities. Managing factional equations within the Congress and keeping allies satisfied will be among the early tests for Satheesan.

Observers note that the new Chief Minister will also have to navigate Centre-state relations, especially on issues concerning financial devolution and coastal security.

With the formal swearing-in expected soon, attention now shifts to the composition of the ministry and the priorities the government sets for its five-year term. The smooth transition of leadership within the UDF is being viewed as a positive sign by supporters who hope the alliance can deliver on its poll promises.