Don’t panic when Central agencies come to Kerala to probe various issues: Suresh Gopi

Union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi said on Thursday that various Central agencies would soon be arriving in Kerala to investigate a number of issues, including the KIIFB masala bonds case, in what was widely interpreted as a pointed warning to those involved.

Mr. Gopi said that all such issues, including the Sabarimala gold loss and the sexual assault allegations against MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, should not affect the election process.

“All that can be discussed and addressed after the local body polls. So, don’t look at any other issues. For all that, there is law and police here. Apart from that, CBI, NIA and ED will also come in connection with those matters. At that time, please do not kick around in panic,” he said at a party event here.

He further said that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) notice to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was not for his personal appearance but to seek the accounts in connection with the masala bonds issued by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).

The ED has issued show cause notices to Mr. Vijayan, former Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac and KIIFB CEO K.M. Abraham in the masala bond case. The ED probe is related to the end-use of ₹2,000 crore raised by KIIFB through masala bonds, and its compliance with the FEMA norms.

Mr. Gopi said that infrastructure development and progress of Kerala, and how voting for the BJP will help in that, should be the points of discussion during the local body poll campaign.

Mr. Gopi also said that the State has to be prepared for the coming of the Olympics to India. It is not a mere dream, but a “kalpana” that will become a reality. The sports infrastructure in the State has to be upgraded before that and for that, voting for the BJP in the local body and Assembly polls was necessary, he said.