What's ailing Kerala's new UDF regime

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned former Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for questioning in the Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL)-linked money-laundering case on October 23, according to officials. The summons comes under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), following a recent State police FIR in the case. Officials stated that Vijayan, aged 81, is required to appear before the ED office in Kochi on the specified date. The Keralam Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) recently filed two FIRs against Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and son-in-law and former minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas in relation to the alleged CMRL payoff case. The Kerala High Court ordered the VACB to register the case based on a report submitted by the ED to the State police. The ED requested the case registration using evidence collected during its investigations and searches conducted under the anti-money laundering law. According to the ED, CMRL made fraudulent payments totaling ₹2.78 crore to Vijayan’s daughter’s defunct company, Exalogic Solutions, under the pretense of IT consultancy services. On October 16, Vijayan filed a petition with the Supreme Court challenging the Kerala High Court's order regarding the FIR registration. Political tensions have escalated in Keralam amid allegations of internal discord within the newly formed United Democratic Front (UDF) government. Reports indicate that several Congress leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s leadership style and decisions. The UDF government faces criticism for administrative shortcomings and perceived lack of unity. Recent controversies include the CM’s helicopter trip funded by friends and a similar trip undertaken by Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and others. Additional scrutiny arose from the local self-government minister’s unofficial visit to multiple countries, reportedly accompanied by individuals linked to business interests. The current controversy centers around the handling of the CMRL-Exalogic case, with accusations that the UDF government is adopting a lenient stance toward Vijayan and his family. Advocate General K. Jaju Babu, reportedly a nominee of Satheesan, opposed a petition by advocate K.M. Shajahan, citing concerns about the petitioner's credibility. Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan left a key party meeting due to a heated argument with the CM. Former state Congress chief K. Sudhakaran and UDF convener Adoor Prakash supported Kuzhalnadan’s criticism of the government's approach in the CMRL-Exalogic case. Health Minister K. Muraleedharan defended the chief minister, suggesting potential hidden agendas against Satheesan. Meanwhile, the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) suspended its social media operations after posting contentious content demanding the resignation of the Chief Justice of India. PCC chief Sunny Joseph urged party members to avoid controversial remarks and endorsed the government’s actions in the CMRL-Exalogic case.