CMRL-Exalogic pay case: RMP, outside ally of ruling UDF in Kerala, opposes govt stand in HC

KK Rema | Photo credit: K. RAGESH

The Revolutionary Marxist Party (RMP), an affiliate of the Congress-led ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala, has challenged the state government’s stand in the Kerala High Court in the CMRL-Exalogic payment case involving Opposition Leader and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) Political Bureau Member, CPI(M)) and Political Bureau Member Pinarayi TM.Vijayan, his daughter PAPI (TM.Vijayan), his daughter Mohamed Riyas.

In a post on social media, KK Rema, Vadakara MLA and RMP leader, wrote that the UDF government’s stance “undermines its stated stand against corruption”. She said the government’s initial decision to create a special investigation team to independently examine the evidence provided by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the case, rather than register the case based on its report alone, was politically justified. But she said the government’s stand before a bench of the Supreme Court in an appeal filed by Mr. Vijayan against a single judge’s order ordering the registration of a corruption case and investigation by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) should be criticized.

In another statement, RMP State Secretary N. Venu said the government’s stand was “against the wishes of the people”. He also alleged that the Advocate General ridiculed the complainant KM Shajahan and supported Mr. Vijayan’s arguments before the Division Bench. Mr. Venu pointed out that the UDF came to power partly as a result of public sentiment against Mr. Vijayan’s alleged corruption. Insulting Mr Shajahan, who defended the UDF’s electoral victory, amounted to “making a mockery of this people’s mandate”, he said.

“People have a right to know why the Chief Minister has taken full responsibility for the arguments made by the Advocate General in the High Court,” he said.

Despite the government’s stand in favor of a preliminary investigation, the High Court ordered the registration of a case against Mr. Vijayan, Ms. Veena and Mr. Riyas. The VACB subsequently registered two FIRs.

The RMP, although not an official member of the UDF, is a crucial external partner. Her support is essential for UDF’s electoral success in Kozhikode district, especially in Vadakara area. This is the first time that the RMP has openly protested against the government’s stance on a certain issue.

“Restore Moral Credibility”

In her post, Ms Rema said the presence of a leader facing serious corruption charges as opposition leader “undermines the moral credibility of democratic politics”. Alleging that Mr Vijayan and his family were facing serious allegations of monthly payments, bribes and hawala transactions, Ms Rema said the opposition parties should take steps to restore the moral credibility of their politics.

It was not about who should fill the post of deputy leader of the opposition, but whether the opposition parties were willing to remove a leader facing corruption charges from his position, she added.

Published – 20 Oct 2026 13:41 IST