Thiruvananthapuram, July 27 (IANS) Leader of Opposition, Pinarayi Vijayan, finds himself confronting perhaps the most politically challenging phase of his long career, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) tightening its probe into the CMRL-Exalogic financial transactions involving his daughter Veena Vijayan and fresh indications that the investigation could soon reach his doorstep.

Just months after suffering a bruising defeat in the Assembly elections, the 82-year-old veteran had appeared to steady the ship by assuming the post of Leader of the Opposition.

Initial rumblings within the CPI(M) over the electoral debacle gradually subsided, with the state leadership publicly rallying behind him.

That fragile calm, however, is once again under strain.

The ED’s investigation into Exalogic Solutions, the now-defunct IT firm owned by Veena Vijayan, has gathered momentum, with investigators relying on a growing body of financial records linked to the alleged transactions with Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd. (CMRL).

Political circles are also abuzz with reports that the agency may soon issue a notice to Vijayan himself in connection with the case.

The developments have significantly altered the political narrative.

When the controversy first erupted, the CPI(M) leadership had mounted an unequivocal defence of Veena Vijayan, dismissing allegations as politically motivated.

But as additional documents have surfaced in the public domain, that aggressive defence has noticeably softened, with several leaders choosing silence over confrontation.

The pressure was evident on Saturday when Vijayan lost his composure while responding to repeated media queries on the Exalogic issue.

Television channels have since juxtaposed his earlier categorical denials and the party’s robust defence with the stream of documents emerging in the case, sharpening questions to the CPI(M).

The controversy also threatens to spill into the party’s internal affairs.

A three-day special CPI(M) state committee meeting scheduled for next month assumes added significance after the party’s central leadership reportedly rejected key findings and assessments made by the Kerala state committee following the Assembly poll setback.

What happens from now till the three day party meetings is going to have a bearing on Vijayan.

Whether Vijayan can politically weather the twin challenge of an expanding ED investigation and renewed scrutiny within his own party may well determine the next chapter of his leadership.

For a leader long regarded as politically unassailable, the battle ahead appears increasingly difficult.

Eyebrows have also been raised on the stoic silence of Veena’s husband and party legislator P.A. Mohammed Riyas, who loses no opportunity to make cryptic comments against political adversaries .

–IANS

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