CPI(M) challenges ED's alleged political bias against opposition

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) has announced plans to challenge the central government's use of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for political purposes. CPI(M) State Secretary M.V. Govindan criticized the ED for giving a "clean chit" to BJP leaders in the 2021 Kodakara hawala case, which he claims shows the agency's biased approach. Govindan pointed out that the ED contradicted findings from state police that linked ₹3.36 crore stolen from a car in Kodakara to hawala money sent to the BJP for election spending in 2021. He called the ED's conclusion dubious, noting that they did not properly investigate or question key witnesses, such as T. Satheesh, the BJP's local office secretary. He described the ED's actions as protecting senior BJP leaders from prosecution and pledged that CPI(M) would hold the ED accountable. Govindan accused the BJP of using the ED to weaken opposition parties, arresting their leaders on weak allegations and hindering their election campaigns by freezing their funds. He stated that many political leaders opposing the BJP have fallen victim to the ED's actions, with very few cases resulting in convictions. Govindan accused the ED of being a tool for BJP propaganda and suggested that the agency's raids and arrests are merely aimed at boosting the BJP's image during elections. The CPI(M) plans to fight back both politically and legally against what they see as the BJP's abuse of the ED. They will also collaborate with other democratic parties to address these issues on a national level.