While the CPI(M) has been blaming the BJP and the Union Government for using central agencies against its political rivals, the party in Kerala has suddenly targeted a Congress legislator who raised allegations against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter Veena T. Last week, Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan had dared Veena to reveal the I-T returns of her firm Exalogic Solutions Private Limited which has been in the limelight recently after a report of the Interim Board for Settlement of Direct Taxes revealed that the firm got Rs 1.72 crore from Kochi-based Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) for three years under the pretext of providing software solutions and marketing services. Neither Vijayan nor Veena has so far reacted to the report which said that Exalogic received payment from CMRL without rendering any service. Kuzhalnadan, who was not allowed to raise the issue in the Assembly last week, later alleged that Veena’s income had not reflected in her IT returns. He dared Veena to reveal Exalogic’s tax returns since 2016. Last June, when the state Assembly debated about the gold smuggling case, Kuzhalnadan had alleged that Exalogic’s website was down for a brief period when the scandal emerged in 2020 and when it was up again, the reference to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) director Balakumar as mentor was removed from the website as key accused in the case, Swapna Suresh, had been hired by PwC. The gold smuggling case was registered after gold worth over Rs 14 crore, camouflaged as diplomatic baggage to the UAE Consulate, was seized at Trivandrum International Airport in July 2020. Four days into the latest allegation, the CPI(M) has mounted an attack on Kuzhalnadan. The party’s Ernakulam district secretary C N Mohanan on Thursday alleged that Kuzhalnadan, who represents the Muvattupuzha Assembly constituency in the district, is involved in black money and shady financial dealings. “He had amassed assets worth Rs 30 crore. Kuzhalnadan had launched a legal firm only a decade back. His sources of income are suspicious,” he said. The CPI(M) leader also alleged that the Congress MLA violated the Land Assignment Act in the high ranges of Idukki, where he owns a resort, and evaded tax by undervaluing the resort’s property. The land could not be used for commercial purposes. “As an advocate, Kuzhalnadan has also violated the Advocates Act. His engagement in resort business is in violation of the Act,” Mohanan said. On Friday, the revenue department took out a survey on Kuzhalnadan’s family property in Muvattupuzha to ascertain whether he had reclaimed paddy land. The revenue department acted upon a direction from the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, which is looking into a complaint that the Congress leader had reclaimed paddy fields beyond the permitted area. Revealing about his income from 2014 to 2021, Kuzhalnadan on Saturday said he was ready to face any probe. “I am ready to reveal any details about my assets. The government can assign any agency to investigate me. I am also ready for a debate with the CPI(M) on the issue. But, why are the CPI(M), Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his daughter Veena silent on issues that I have raised. I have answered all questions that were raised. But, why are Vijayan, his daughter Veena and her husband Muhammed Riyas (Public Works Minister) maintaining silence,” he sought to know. Rallying behind the beleaguered party legislator, Opposition Leader V D Satheesan said Kuzhalnadan’s land is being surveyed only because he had raised allegations against Vijayan and his family. “Last month, the vigilance registered a case against me after I raised corruption charges with regard to K-FON (state-run infrastructure for internet connectivity). Those who conduct the survey at Kuzhalnadan’s property should examine the CPI(M) office at Santhanpara in Idukki. The building is being constructed flouting all norms including the Land Assignment Act. The revenue department had served a stop memo twice, but the CPI(M) is continuing with the illegal construction. Will the government demolish that illegal construction,” the Congress leader asked.
