CPI-M Faces Dilemma as Kerala CM Vijayan’s Daughter Named in SFIO Case

Thiruvananthapuram(The Uttam Hindu) : The charge sheet from the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), accusing Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter, Veena Vijayan, of receiving illegal payments amounting to Rs 2.70 crore from Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) in exchange for mining sanctions, has caused significant turmoil within the CPI-M. This comes at a critical time as the party is holding its 24th Party Congress in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Despite Pinarayi Vijayan’s undisputed leadership in the party, both in Kerala and nationally, this development has raised concerns within certain sections of the CPI-M leadership, particularly from states like West Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of North India.

While General Secretary Prakash Karat assured that the party would address the issue both politically and legally, the response from West Bengal state Secretary Mohammed Salim has caused some discomfort among Vijayan’s supporters, indicating a lack of consensus within the top leadership on how to handle the case involving Vijayan’s daughter. In Kerala, there has been little protest against Vijayan, but some party insiders have expressed unease. The situation casts doubt on the hopes of CPI-M Politburo member M.A. Baby, who is eyeing the position of General Secretary. While Vijayan and Baby are known to have differing views, a large section of the party seems to favor Baby. However, some argue that appointing a General Secretary from Kerala, with its dominance of half of the party’s one million cardholders, might reduce the party’s national influence, limiting it to a regional Kerala party. With Veena’s legal troubles now adding to the tension, all eyes are on whether Vijayan will use his influence to prevent Baby’s rise and secure backing from senior colleagues to strengthen his position within the party.

Political observers also note that another challenge for Vijayan is the role of his son-in-law, Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, who has quickly advanced in party ranks, being elevated to the state Secretariat after becoming a Minister. There are speculations that Riyas may seek an elevation to the Central Committee, which could face resistance in light of the current scandal involving Veena. As this Party Congress may be Vijayan's last, his maneuvering to retain influence in the party and secure his family’s political future will be closely watched.