TRIVANDRUM: The CPI-M in Kerala is on the backfoot with major allegations of money fraud raised against party state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan's son Binoy Kodiyeri.
As per the complaint filed by a UAE company, Binoy had allegedly cheated the company to the tune of Rs 13 crore. He had borrowed an amount of 3,13,200 UAE Dirhams on collateral security to purchase an Audi car, and 45 lakh UAE Dirhams to invest in business ventures in India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Nepal.
The allegations have come as a major blow to the CPI-M at a time when it is going through party conferences ahead of the State Conference and 22nd Party Congress.
Various reports suggest that the UAE company has approached the CPI-M central leadership. However, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury denied of receiving any complaints in this regard.
Though the CPI-M tried to downplay the issue saying there are no complaints against party leaders, the leadership has taken a serious view of the situation. Soon after the allegations, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan held talks with Kodiyeri Balakrishnan at AKG Centre.
Speaking to the media, Kodiyeri said his son will answer the allegations. He further added that currently there is no case against his son in Dubai. "There are no allegations against any party leaders. Currently, there's no case against him (Binoy Kodiyeri). The allegations are against him, let him answer," he said.
"Currently there are no complaints against me. The details in this regard would be submitted before the authorities soon," said Binoy Kodiyeri while speaking to a news channel.
Opposition UDF and BJP have come out terming it a serious issue and demanded Kodiyeri and Pinarayi Vijayan to respond. The latter party is planning to approach enforcement agencies seeking probe into the matter.
State BJP general secretary K Surendran said the party has conducted its own probe and found out that "the news report is true" and they will pursue the matter. "The CPI-M clearly states that not just party workers but also their immediate family members should be above board. This should reach its logical conclusion," he said.
Addressing reporters in the state assembly, Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala said they want either CM Vijayan or the party to respond to the media report. "We expect there will be a statement on it from either Vijayan or the party," said Chennithala.
(with IANS inputs)