CPI(M) activists protest in Vijayawada over ED raids on Pinarayi Vijayan

CPI(M) activists from Andhra Pradesh staged a protest here on Thursday (May 28, 2026), condemning the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on the residence of former Kerala Chief Minister and the party’s senior leader Pinarayi Vijayan in Kerala.

CPI(M) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao termed the ED action “politically motivated” and alleged that the raids were carried out as part of a ‘planned conspiracy to intimidate the Left forces and democratic voices’. He asked democrats, civil rights activists and political parties across the country to condemn the raids.

CPI(M) Central Committee member P. Lokanadham alleged that the raids were intended to divert public attention from rising prices of petrol, diesel and essentials. He said that despite hours of searches, the ED had failed to recover anything incriminating, which showed the action was driven by political motives.

CPI(M) State Secretariat member Ch. Babu Rao described the action as “malicious and politically motivated”.

Referring to remarks by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Mr. Babu Rao said Mr. Gandhi himself had questioned why the BJP had not initiated ED action against Mr. Vijayan earlier. “Is this the role of a party that claims to uphold secular values?” he asked, alleging that the statements indicated a tacit understanding between the BJP and the Congress.

Warning the Centre against what he termed “political conspiracies”, Mr. Babu Rao said such tactics would not succeed and that people were becoming aware of the government’s intentions.

Several CPI(M), Left and farmers’ organisation leaders took part in the protest.