Mathew Kuzhalnadan
Kuzhalnadan said he would not end the legal battle, maintaining that his intervention was not politically motivated despite facing intense targeting as a result.
Kottayam: Muvattupuzha MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan said the monthly-payoff case has reached a turning point, alleging that leader of the opposition Pinarayi Vijayan is the “real accused” in the matter. Kuzhalnadan said when he had earlier stated it was not far-fetched for Vijayan to be added to the list of accused, he was mocked and viewed with suspicion, and some had strayed from their stated positions. He said govt now received directions to register a case against Vijayan and his son-in-law Mohamed Riyas under anti-corruption laws. He said enforcement directorate (ED) had stated that state police or vigilance should register a case, and that he was prepared to sincerely furnish evidence that would satisfy the investigating team and the courts. He alleged that Vijayan had taken bribes from multiple companies and said further shocking details of corruption would emerge. He further alleged that a “man-made flood” was engineered for corrupt purposes to facilitate illegal sand mining and smuggling of mineral sand. He said that soil was removed from Thottappally spillway in violation of prescribed distance limits. He said all those involved would eventually have to answer for the alleged corruption, adding that he would disclose more details in the coming days.
He alleged that Vijayan had lied to his own party and the people of Keralam, attempted to isolate and target him, and tried to cover up the truth of the monthly payoff case. He alleged that crores obtained through corruption over the past decade had been moved abroad, including funds allegedly routed through KIIFB’s masala bonds. He alleged that Swapna Suresh had tried to expose the corruption while CPM stood by Vijayan. He attributed LDF’s huge setback in the last elections to corruption. He also alleged that DYFI and SFI workers were mobilised to vandalise an ED vehicle, with CPM’s backing.