Row between Kerala CM and MLA Anvar over ADGP Ajith Kumar

Kerala CM Vijayan and MLA Anvar

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Pointing fingers at the CM

During a fiery two-hour press conference, Anvar did not hide his criticism of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, suggesting that he could be the CM in CPI(M) history.

Anvar questioned Vijayan’s competence, especially his handling of the Home portfolio, and accused him of being unaware of the alleged links that CPI(M) leader Sasi and Law and Order AGP Ajith Kumar had with the gold smuggling mafia, or deliberately ignoring it.

“The Prime Minister is not suitable to handle the Home Affairs portfolio. If he was not aware of Sasi and Ajith Kumar’s connections with the gold smuggling mafia, that is a serious failure. If he knew and did nothing, it’s even worse,” Anvar accused.

Anvar didn’t stop there; he also directly targeted Sasi and Ajith Kumar. “I have spoken to many party workers and they do not have a good opinion of Sasi. But the CM claims he is doing an exemplary job. Besides, why is the CM protecting a notorious criminal like Ajith Kumar? Does the CM believe that only Riyaz (PA Tourism Minister Mohammad Riyaz, son-in-law of CM) is essential for the future of the party?” Anvar wondered, questioning the CM’s motivations.

He also alleged that it was because of CM’s planned family trip to Europe that the mortal remains of former CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan were not taken to the AKG Center in Thiruvananthapuram, alarming dozens of party workers.

Adding to the controversy, Anvar linked the disruption of Thrissur Pooram – a major cultural event in the state – to a wider political conspiracy, suggesting that those seeking favors from the Union government may have orchestrated the plot . He hinted that this disruption had strengthened the BJP-RSS in Thrissur during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, indirectly accusing the CM of aiding the BJP’s electoral gains.

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Triggers for the question to re-examine

In a bold move, Anvar challenged the integrity of the chief minister by demanding a fresh probe into the gold smuggling cases registered in Karipur. “The CM read what ADGP Ajith Kumar IPS had written during the press conference. Does the CM have enough confidence to order a re-examination?” he asked, pointing fingers at the involvement of senior officials in the scandal, including P Sasi, the chief minister’s political secretary, and ADGP Ajith Kumar, casting a shadow on the CM’s commitment to transparency.

Anvar’s allegations come after a press conference by the chief minister on September 20, where Vijayan reportedly insinuated that Anvar had links with the gold smuggling mafia. According to Anvar, this insinuation was a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation.

“The CM’s press meet brought me under suspicion, implying my involvement in the smuggling mafia. I expected the CPI(M) to correct the CM’s statement but no action was taken,” said Anvar, expressing deep frustration over the party’s inaction. He also added that both the party and the CM had betrayed him.

Meanwhile, following Anvar’s claims, the opposition, mainly KPCC president K Sudhakaran, has taken the opportunity to initiate a judicial inquiry into the alleged links between the dislocated Thrissur Pooram and gold smuggling, as well as the alleged role of the CM in helping the BJP’s political foothold. in the state.

At the same time, CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan told the media in New Delhi that the party will take an appropriate stand against Anvar.

“Anvar continued to help those forces that want to attack the left-wing government. Appropriate action will be taken against his allegations against the party and the government,” Govindan said.

As the Kerala Assembly session approaches, which will begin on October 4, all eyes are on Anvar, who has called for a public meeting in Nilambur on Sunday, September 29, where he is expected to outline his next move. Anvar’s relentless ‘pursuit of the truth’ has achieved in just a few weeks what the opposition has been aiming for for years: bringing Pinarayi Vijayan, once a seemingly invincible leader, under the shadow of serious accusations.

(Edited by Neena)