The raids, which have touched off a wave anger in the LDF camp, were related to an alleged pay-off scam involving Pinarayi’s daughter Veena Vijayan’s IT firm Exalogic Solutions and the Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL).

In a quick response, the CMRL has moved the Kerala High Court seeking an immediate stay on the ED raids.

Simultaneous raids on 10 locations in Kerala and Bangalore, triggered spontaneous protests across the State with a group of people vandalising vehicles ferrying ED officials after they left Pinarayi’s residence in Kerala capital following a seven-hour search, which began around 6 a.m. As many as 11 CPI(M) activists, including Palayam Local Committee secretary, detained in connection with the violence, have been remanded to custody. Police have also named 12 other persons as accused for the attacks on the central agency officials.

The action saw hundreds of agitated CPI(M) workers gathering outside the residence, shouting slogans against the ED and denouncing the action as politically motivated. The anger of the party cadres often spilled beyond verbal protests despite repeated appeals for restraint by party leaders.

A defiant and unfazed Pinarayi Vijayan emerged with a raised fist, greeting the party workers who had assembled outside his residence in protest against the ED raids. In a message of strong dissent, Pinarayi, flanked by top CPI(M) leaders including CPI(M)state secretary M. V. Govindan, said the BJP had subverted central enforcement agencies to target Opposition figures, while the Congress, the main Opposition party in Parliament, has encouraged the Union Government ‘s trespasses on democracy, federalism and political propriety with barely-concealed glee. He made a direct reference to Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Rahul Gandhi who had openly wondered why the ED was not arresting the then Chief Minister and his family in the latter’s Assembly poll campaign speeches in Kerala. “I hope he is happy now”, Vijayan added.

As expected, the CPI(M) has closed ranks in support of Pinarayi after the raids. CPI(M) general secretary M. A. Baby condemned the raid, terming it as part of anti-money laundering investigation into the CMRL-Exalogic “political payoff case” involving Veena Vijayan. The CPI(M) leaders in the State singled out the Congress and the BJP for partnering in the “national scheme to target Opposition leaders”.

The Communist Party of India (CPI), the second most important constituent of the LDF, strongly condemned the raid, terming it as politically motivated. In his statement, CPI general secretary D. Raja said the raids were an example of the BJP’s misuse of central investigating agencies to intimidate the Left, targeting political opponents, and undermining federal principles. Kerala Congress (Mani) chairman Jose K. Mani also denounced the raids, adding that the LDF was strong enough to fight such attempts politically and legally.

An immediate upshot of the raids was the energisation of the CPI(M) ranks, dispirited after the electoral defeat. The protest action has boosted their morale and steeled their resolve to counter the politically motivated raids. CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan correctly said that neither Pinarayi nor the Left movement will be weakened by such actions screaming political vendetta. It could be a long battle, but the party and the LDF will bounce back, averred Vijayan.

The Congress and the UDF led by it have maintained a deafening silence so far. The Chief Minister has avoided any comment so far despite being repeatedly accosted by the media.

Meanwhile, DMK leader and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin strongly condemned the raid, saying that “such actions once again raise serious concern over the growing pattern of Central agencies being weaponised against Opposition parties. He also lambasted the Congress leaders for making reckless allegations questioning why Vijayan had not been targeted by the BJP.

Former Delhi CM and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal also termed the raids as another instance of the blatant misuse of central agencies by the BJP to target regional opposition parties and undermine democracy.

In another development, Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has sought a report from the Police chief on the failure to prevent the violence which erupted in the wake of the ED raids in the Kerala capital. It is a fact that serious lapses on the part of the police resulted in the violence. Reports have it that police had not been deployed in adequate strength to maintain law and order. Senior IPS officers are said to be trying to wash their hands of the responsibility for the untoward incidents and scapegoating junior police officers. Whatever the truth the violence has left both the State Home Minister, who said the State had not been informed in advance of the raids, and the Police red-faced.

At the end of the day, one thing can be said with certainty. The ED raids have helped the LDF leaders shake off their disappointment over the poll defeat and snap out of their blue mood. A protracted politico-legal battle looms large in the coming days. (IPA Service)