Political Skirmish: ED's Notice Sparks Controversy in Kerala's Masala Bond Case

The opposition Congress party in Kerala mocks the ED's show cause notice to CM Pinarayi Vijayan and former minister T. M. Thomas Isaac regarding the KIIFB Masala Bond case. They claim it is merely an intimidation tactic before local elections, lacking real investigative intent.

The political arena in Kerala is heating up as the Congress party derides the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) recent actions. A show cause notice has been issued to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and former finance minister T. M. Thomas Isaac over the KIIFB Masala Bond case. Critics allege that this move is intended to intimidate the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) ahead of impending local body elections.

During a reportage in Kollam, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan expressed concerns over what he describes as procedural violations and corruption involving the masala bond issuance. He contends that past notices by the ED to the Chief Minister's residence, particularly regarding the Life Mission Project case, have proven inconsequential.

Adding to the critique, KPCC chief Sunny Joseph described the notice as a mere 'joke', suggesting it serves to distract the public from other issues plaguing the LDF government, such as the Sabarimala gold loss case. These comments come as the ED's action garners skepticism, with leaders like Ramesh Chennithala and K Muraleedharan doubting its potential impact.

(With inputs from agencies.)