Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi at a meeting of NDA candidates at Kollam Corporation on Thursday. | Photo credit: C. SURESHKUMAR
Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi said on Thursday that various central agencies would soon come to Kerala to investigate a number of issues, including the KIIFB masala bond case, in what was widely interpreted as a stark warning to those involved.
Mr Gopi said all such issues, including the loss of Sabarimala gold and sexual assault allegations against MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, should not affect the election process.
“All that can be discussed and solved after the local polls. So don’t look at any other issues. Despite all this, the law and the police are there. Besides, CBI, NIA and ED will also appear in connection with these matters. At that time, please don’t panic,” he said at a party here.
He further said that the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) notice to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was not for his personal appearance but for seeking accounts in connection with the masala bonds issued by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).
The ED has issued notices to Mr Vijayan, former finance minister TM Thomas Isaac and KIIFB CEO KM 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 FEMA norms.
Mr. Gopi said that the infrastructure development and progress of Kerala and how voting for the BJP will help in this should be the talking points during the local election campaign.
Mr. Gopi also said that the state must be ready for the Olympics to come to India. It is not just a dream but a ‘kalpana’ that will come true. The sports infrastructure in the state needs to be upgraded before that, hence the need to vote for the BJP in local bodies and parliamentary polls, he said.
Published – 04 Dec 2025 20:39 IST
