The ruling CPI(M) in Kerala today came under attack from the BJP and Congress after allegations of financial fraud surfaced against the son of a senior marxist leader from the state.
According to a complaint by the Dubai based JAAS Tourism company, Binoy, elder son of CPI(M) state secretary, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, had allegedly cheated the firm of Rs 13 crore.
The contents of the complaint, reportedly given to the CPI-M leadership in New Delhi urging its intervention to settle the issue amicably, have been published in sections of the media here.
Balakrishnan and Binoy termed the allegations "baseless."
In a statement, Binoy said no case was pending against him in Dubai.
"There was a cheque case in connection with my business partner and that has been settled through court. There is nothing against me now as is being alleged," he said.
"I do not know on what basis such baseless reports are coming up. It is with ulterior motives," he said.
His reaction came after Balakrishnan made it clear that his son himself would give a clarification on the matter.
Balakrishnan also maintained that there was no case pending against his son in Dubai court.
Asked if a complaint from the company has been received, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury merely said: "Let us see. Nothing has come."
Seizing on the matter, BJP national spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao demanded Balakrishnan step down from his political office.
"BJP will resort to possible political and administrative means to ensure that the fraud does not go unchecked and unpunished," he said in New Delhi.
Terming the allegations as "very serious," BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan wanted a probe by the Enforcement Directorate which should also "look into the financial sources of Balakrishnan's family."
The matter came out due to the "factionalism" in the party, he alleged.
Opposition leader in the state assembly Ramesh Chennithala said the allegations were "very serious."
"We expect a reaction from the party or chief minister. The matter needs to be enquired," he said.
CPI, a coalition partner of the CPI (M)-led LDF, said it was an internal matter of the marxist party.
CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran said the matter was neither a setback to the LDF nor was there any dent in its image.
Senior CPI-M leader and LDF convener Vaikom Vishwam said the matter need not be connected with LDF.
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