Controversy surrounds alleged payment to Kerala CM’s daughter from a mining company. Demand for clarity from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan amid claims of no services rendered. Political reactions and calls for transparent investigation emerge.

Alleged Payment Sparks Demand for Explanation

A situation of controversy has unfolded surrounding an alleged payment received by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter, Veena Vijayan, from a mining company. Both the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are seeking an explanation from the Chief Minister.

Payment to Veena Vijayan and Her IT Firm

According to a report in Malayala Manorama, the mining company CMRL is said to have paid a sum of Rs 1.72 crore to Veena Vijayan and her IT firm Exalogica during the period of 2017-2020 for IT services provided.

Income Tax Board’s Observation

The Income Tax Appellate Board came across this payment to Veena and her IT firm while examining the tax returns of CMRL. Further investigation revealed that Veena’s firm had not provided any services to the company, as indicated by several CMRL officials.

Demand for Clarification

Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan highlighted the current state of affairs in Kerala. He mentioned that State Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas often makes statements, and since Veena is his wife, people wish to hear not only from Chief Minister Vijayan but also from Riyas regarding this matter.

Call for External Probe

Muraleedharan emphasized that due to Vijayan’s involvement in the Home and Vigilance portfolio, an external agency should conduct a thorough investigation. He pointed out that Vijayan frequently mentions that transparency requires no fear, so an announcement of a probe is eagerly awaited.

Congress’s Reaction

Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnaden expressed that this can’t be brushed aside as a mere allegation, as tax authorities have based their findings on documents. He demanded that Chief Minister Vijayan openly clarify the reasons behind Veena’s receipt of the money.

Demand for Judicial Probe

State Congress President and Lok Sabha member K. Sudhakaran stressed the need for a judicial inquiry. He compared it to his own experience, where even a minor allegation led to a swift probe. Sudhakaran suggested that a matter involving crores should similarly prompt Chief Minister Vijayan to announce a judicial investigation.