Congress Criticizes Kerala CM Over Gold Smuggling Remarks

The opposition Congress has intensified its attack on Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan following his statements about gold smuggling through the Malappuram district's international airport. The Congress questioned the CM's source of information and accused him of making the remarks to appease Sangh Parivar leaders. They also demanded action from the state government.

The opposition Congress on Tuesday escalated its criticism of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over his recent comments linking gold smuggling through Malappuram's international airport to anti-national activities. Congress alleged that Vijayan made these statements to court favor with Sangh Parivar leaders in New Delhi.

The Congress demanded to know the basis of Vijayan's claims and challenged him to disclose what actions the state government and police had taken against those implicated in smuggling activities purportedly funding anti-national undertakings.

Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan accused Vijayan of making contradictory statements compared to his previous positions in the Assembly. He suggested the CM's remarks were an attempt to cover up the opposition's revelations about the dubious relationship between the CM, CPI(M), and Sangh Parivar. The controversy has further strained relations between the ruling party and Nilambur MLA P V Anvar.

(With inputs from agencies.)