Thiruvananthapuram: Ordering judicial inquiry against central agencies probing the gold smuggling scam is unconstitutional, said Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala government's decision is unfortunate and is challenging the federal structure of the Constitution. He promised that the BJP will make legislation for the protection of traditions and practices of the Sabarimala Temple. Rajnath Singh also said that the government completely failed in controlling the spread of covid.
Also read: Kerala Assembly elections 2021: Opposition up in arms against the LDF government
Rajnath Singh also raised the question to the LDF and the UDF why Kerala was lagging behind other states in spite of their high literacy. He also alleged that this is due to the alternative ruling of both LDF and UDF. Kerala needs a new political alternative and BJP can provide it. Rajnath Singh also added that the Center takes terrorism cases in Kerala very seriously.
Also read: Kerala cabinet decides to initiate judicial probe against ED
The Kerala Cabinet on Friday recommended a judicial probe against central investigation agencies subject to approval from the Election Commission, following an ongoing probe into several cases, including the Kerala gold smuggling case. The decision was taken at a virtual cabinet meeting here chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Terming it an election stunt, United Democratic Front (UDF) convenor MM Hassan said, "The state government does not have the power to take such a case. This is to subvert the current investigation."
He further said, "The decision to conduct a judicial inquiry against the central agencies investigating gold smuggling and dollar smuggling cases involving the Chief Minister and the Speaker is not correct, it is a farce."
The Cabinet has appointed Retired Judge KV Mohanan as the Commissioner. He will consider the controversial audio recording of Swapna Suresh, the prime accused in the gold smuggling case, and a letter written by co-accused PS Sarith.
The Kerala gold smuggling case, which is being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA,) along with the Enforcement Directorate and the customs department, pertains to the smuggling of gold in the state through diplomatic channels.
The matter had come to light after 30-kilogram gold worth Rs 14.82 crores, smuggled in a consignment camouflaged as diplomatic baggage, was busted by customs in Thiruvananthapuram on July 5 last year. The customs department had also arrested Unitac Builders MD Santhosh Eappen also in a US Dollar smuggling case.
The election for the 140-member Kerala assembly in 14 districts will be held in a single phase on April 6. The counting of votes will take place on May 2.
(With inputs from ANI)
Also read: Haripad: A constituency with no traditional affinity to LDF or UDF
