₹100 Crore Bribery Scandal: A New Political Crisis in Kerala

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

Kerala MLA Thomas K. Thomas is at the center of a ₹100 crore bribery scandal.
Allegedly, he offered bribes to two LDF MLAs to defect to Ajit Pawar’s faction of the NCP.
A four-member NCP panel is investigating the claims with testimonies from Thomas and the LDF MLAs.
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan discussed the issue with relevant parties.
Thomas denies the allegations and has called for a thorough investigation.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Bribery Allegations Rock Kerala Politics

A significant scandal unfolded in Kerala’s political landscape as Kuttanad MLA Thomas K. Thomas faced allegations of offering ₹100 crore to two ruling LDF MLAs. The alleged goal was to convince them to join the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP, creating political leverage for Thomas to secure a ministerial berth while boosting BJP influence in Kerala.

NCP (SCP) Investigates the Incident

The NCP (SCP) has appointed a four-member committee to review the allegations. Testimonies were taken from both Thomas and the LDF MLAs who were reportedly approached with the bribe. Among them were Antony Raju of the Janadhipathya Kerala Congress and Kovoor Kunjumon, a long-standing MLA from the Revolutionary Socialist Party (Leninist).

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Pinarayi Vijayan’s Involvement

Antony Raju first reported the bribery allegations to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. However, upon questioning, Kunjumon denied any knowledge of the incident. Vijayan reportedly mentioned this scandal during a CPI(M) state meeting in Thrissur, propelling it into the media spotlight.

Thomas’s Response

Thomas, who entered politics following his brother’s death, vehemently denies the allegations. “Why would I make such an offer?” he questioned, stating that he lacks the funds for such a bribe.

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Impact on Kerala’s Politics

The controversy has dealt a blow to Thomas’s aspirations of joining the state cabinet. Political analysts believe that the scandal could inadvertently benefit the BJP by enhancing ties between the Ajit Pawar faction and the NCP. Mohammed Kutty, a leader from the Ajit faction, denied any involvement in the alleged bribery scheme.