Thiruvananthapuram: BJP national secretary K Surendran claimed that CPM, after its extended state committee meeting, was trying to hoodwink the public by claiming that it had initiated a self-correction process. He added that CPM must prove its claims through action and not verbal assurances.Addressing a news conference at KG Marar Bhavan on Wednesday, he alleged that CPM had made tall claims about correcting its mistakes, cleansing the party and adopting a strict stand against corruption and the accumulation of illicit wealth. CPM should clarify what happened to its self-correction when grave allegations were raised against its leaders and their families, he said.Referring to ED’s findings on the financial transactions allegedly linked to Veena T, daughter of Pinarayi Vijayan, and her husband Mohamed Riyas, Surendran said CPM should clarify its stand on the issue. Reports that ED had handed over documents related to the alleged transactions to the state police chief and sought the registration of an FIR and an investigation should also be examined, he added.He said the alleged scam carried out in the name of bringing Argentine footballer Lionel Messi to Kerala must be probed thoroughly. “The ongoing SIT probe is examining alleged financial irregularities, including tax evasion. It should cover major political links to the case. The role of ex-ministers V Abdurahiman and Riyas, if any, should be probed. Govt’s role in awarding the contract and handing over the stadium to a firm should be brought to light. Why have the police not searched the homes of Riyas and Abdurahiman? Why has the probe not reached AKG Centre and Cantonment House?” he asked.Surendran said the allegation that the contract was executed with govt’s consent should be investigated. The stadium was handed over for renovation to a firm led by Anto Augustine during the LDF govt’s tenure, he said, adding that all financial and administrative aspects of the transaction should be examined.He claimed that BJP is not trying to paint anyone as guilty based on mere allegations. The principle of equal treatment under the law must be followed. Investigating only those without political connections while sparing those with such links will not constitute a fair probe, he said.
