Kerala CM hosted dinner for governors to evade questions on CMRL case: Sudhakaran

T'puram: KPCC president K Sudhakaran alleged that chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan hosted a dinner for BJP-appointed governors in order to escape questions over the monthly pay-off case involving his daughter Veena T.
He said the event was a continuation of discussions held at Kerala House in New Delhi with Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Kerala governor Arif Mohammed Khan. Sudhakaran pointed out that this unusual move came just as the monthly payment case reached a crucial stage. He claimed it was another instance of secret deals between Vijayan and BJP.
Sudhakaran further alleged that CPM central committee member PK Sreemathi was removed from the party's state secretariat because she refused to back Vijayan in the monthly pay-off case. He said that Sreemathi, who served as a minister, MP, MLA, central committee member, and national president of All India Democratic Women's Association, faced such action despite her stature. According to Sudhakaran, mere support is not enough for Pinarayi — only those who constantly praise him with titles like ‘Sun', ‘Arjuna' and ‘Warrior' can survive in the party. Even leaders like AK Balan, from the backward community, are struggling despite their loyalty, Sudhakaran added.
He also criticised the contradictory statements regarding Sreemathi's removal. While state secretary MV Govindan claimed it was an organisational decision, general secretary MA Baby said no ban was imposed, he said. Sudhakaran accused the state leadership of openly disregarding the national leadership, suggesting that national leaders are merely ornamental figures nurtured by Vijayan.
Sudhakaran said that despite the high court's direction and the registration of a CBI FIR, Vijayan continues to protect his principal secretary KM Abraham. He alleged that this protection is a safeguard for the chief minister himself, in anticipation of facing a similar situation.
"Normally, officials facing an FIR are suspended or removed. But KM Abraham is being shielded by the CM. This could lead to tampering with evidence and derail the investigation," Sudhakaran said, adding that if Abraham is not removed immediately, legal action would follow.