Daijiworld Media Network - Palakkad
Palakkad, Mar 28: Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday strongly refuted allegations of a Rs 700 crore corruption linked to the Cooperative Department’s proposed common software project, asserting that the accusations are politically driven and lack any factual grounding.
Addressing the media in Palakkad, Vijayan also denied claims of a secret political understanding between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Social Democratic Party of India, terming them as “deliberate misinformation” aimed at misleading voters.
The chief minister was responding to charges made by senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, accusing him of spreading false narratives ahead of the elections. “There is a calculated attempt to fabricate corruption stories by twisting facts. Engaging with such claims only serves their purpose,” Vijayan said.
Providing clarity on the cooperative software project, Vijayan explained that the tender process for creating a unified digital system for cooperative societies had been completed back in 2021. He added that Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which was initially involved, withdrew from the project on its own in 2024. “Every step of the process followed established norms and was conducted transparently,” he emphasized.
On the political front, Vijayan dismissed allegations of any tie-up between the ruling front and SDPI, accusing the Opposition of attempting to corner the government through unfounded propaganda. He expressed confidence that voters would see through such claims and make decisions based on governance and lived experience.
Highlighting his government’s achievements, Vijayan pointed to progress in the agricultural sector, including increased paddy procurement, improved financial support for farmers, and gradual hikes in minimum support prices. He claimed that between 2016 and 2026, farmers’ incomes in Kerala have risen by nearly 50 percent, showcasing sustained growth.
Meanwhile, Palakkad has emerged as a key battleground for the CPI(M), with internal dissent adding complexity to the contest. Former party figures have entered the fray as rivals, including P.K. Sasi, who is contesting from Ottapalam with Congress backing, and A. Suresh, a former aide to V. S. Achuthanandan, now fielded by Congress in Malampuzha.
A high-profile contest is also unfolding in Thrithala, where sitting minister M. B. Rajesh faces former legislator V. T. Balram. In Palakkad, the race has drawn added attention with Congress nominating popular actor Ramesh Pisharody, setting the stage for a closely watched electoral battle.