Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government’s decision to order a Vigilance probe into KIIFB land acquisitions in Kannur has brought the district’s politically influential CPI(M) leadership into focus. The inquiry will examine land deals linked to the previous LDF government, which was in power from 2016 to 2026.
Kannur is home to former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan and senior leaders from the powerful Jayarajan factions. The party has a strong organisational base in the district, making the land probe a politically sensitive matter.
The state Cabinet decided on Wednesday to order the investigation after examining a report submitted by an expert committee headed by former IAS officer Sudha Pillai. The committee reviewed the functioning of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) from 2016 to 2026, a period that covers both terms of the Pinarayi Vijayan government.
Thomas Isaac was the Finance Minister during the first term, while K.N. Balagopal held the portfolio in the second. Decisions taken during both periods could come under scrutiny as the investigation progresses.
The Vigilance team is expected to begin with the land acquisitions in Kannur. It will examine the process followed in acquiring the land, the prices paid and the approvals granted. The team will also look into whether public money was spent in accordance with the rules. The Finance and Revenue departments are expected to provide technical assistance.
The expert committee has also flagged alleged irregularities relating to appointments and other matters. These could become part of the investigation as well. Whether the inquiry reaches senior officials or political leaders will depend on what investigators find.
The timing has added to the political interest surrounding the case. Kannur has long been a key centre of the CPI(M), with several of its senior leaders having strong roots in the district. There has also been a recent flare-up within the family of E.P. Jayarajan after a close relative made certain allegations.
The probe now puts the spotlight on decisions taken over the past decade. The CPI(M) will have to answer questions about the land deals while defending KIIFB’s role in Kerala’s infrastructure development. For the UDF government, the challenge is to establish any wrongdoing through evidence and ensure that the investigation does not become merely a political battle.