Congress-led UDF in Kerala Criticises Chief Minister Vijayan Over Malappuram Comments on Gold Smuggling

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala has criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for comments he allegedly made about Malappuram District. In an interview with an English daily, Vijayan reportedly linked the district to gold smuggling and hawala transactions. The Congress and its ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), expressed their disapproval of his remarks.

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala urged Vijayan not to target Malappuram's residents to settle political scores with Nilambur MLA P V Anvar. Anvar, representing a constituency in Malappuram, has been at odds with the ruling CPI(M) and Vijayan over several issues. This conflict led to the communist party severing ties with him.

Political Tensions and Allegations

Anvar has accused ADGP Law and Order M R Ajithkumar and other senior police officials of improper procedures in seizing illegally imported gold. Chennithala emphasised that not all gold smuggled through Karipur International Airport is linked to criminals from Malappuram. He criticised Vijayan for using the district as a scapegoat in his political rivalry with Anvar.

IUML Kerala State General Secretary P M A Salam also condemned Vijayan's remarks, stating that the Chief Minister should not have insulted Malappuram's people. Salam highlighted that many gold smuggling cases were registered at Kannur airport, questioning why Malappuram was being blamed.

Demands for Accountability

Salam challenged Vijayan to disclose details of the cases, including FIRs, trials, and convictions. He argued that blaming Malappuram reflects inefficiency in handling these issues. The IUML demanded that the Chief Minister address the allegations raised by Anvar.

In response to UDF's claims that he was lenient on the RSS, Vijayan accused them of creating confusion for political gain. He asserted that these allegations were false and aimed at misleading minority groups who support the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

Public Reactions and Statements

Anvar, during a public meeting in Kozhikode, alleged that Vijayan labelled Malappuram as a major crime hub in Kerala. He argued that gold smuggled through Karipur airport could be distributed anywhere in Kerala, but Malappuram was unfairly blamed due to its location.

The ongoing tensions highlight deep-rooted political rivalries and concerns over law enforcement efficiency in Kerala. The situation underscores the need for transparent communication and accountability from state leaders to address public concerns effectively.