In a sharp attack on the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V D Satheesan, has criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for inducting Antony Raju into his ministry. Satheesan alleged the CM was fully aware that Raju was involved in a case where he was convicted for attempting to save a foreign drug smuggler.
Allegations of Evidence Tampering in Drug Smuggling Case
Speaking to the media, Satheesan detailed the case that led to Antony Raju's conviction this past Saturday. He stated that the incident involved an attempt to save a foreign national who was caught smuggling drugs concealed in underwear. "He is a person who tampered with the evidence to save someone who smuggled drugs," the Congress leader asserted.
Satheesan expressed strong disapproval of Raju's ministerial appointment, emphasising that Vijayan made him a minister with full knowledge of these serious allegations. He argued that given the gravity of the offence, Raju should not have been allowed to contest the elections in the first place. The opposition leader further claimed that the original accused in the drug smuggling case was acquitted as a direct result of the evidence tampering.
A Two-and-a-Half-Year Tenure Amidst Protests
Satheesan reminded the public that the opposition had vigorously protested Antony Raju's inclusion in the state cabinet within the assembly. Despite these protests, Pinarayi Vijayan retained him as a minister for two and a half years. The opposition leader framed this as a pattern of behaviour by the Vijayan administration, alleging that the same practice of protecting the accused continues today.
To bolster his argument, Satheesan drew a parallel with the ongoing Sabarimala gold theft case. "In the Sabarimala gold theft case, the CPM leaders who stole the gold are in jail. But they are still being protected. No action is being taken against them," he alleged. He concluded by branding the state government as one that "facilitates thieves," claiming this has been proven once again through these incidents.
Political Context and Seat Sharing
Beyond the corruption allegations, Satheesan also touched upon the political dynamics within the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF). He mentioned that discussions on seat sharing within the front have not yet begun. He added, pragmatically, that every constituent party would naturally wish to contest from a larger number of seats, hinting at the negotiations that lie ahead for the coalition.
The strong condemnation from the opposition leader sets the stage for a renewed political confrontation in Kerala, centring on allegations of corruption and improper conduct within the state ministry.
