Kerala CM Rejects Allegations Over Cooperative Software Project, Terms Opposition Claims Baseless

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday firmly rejected allegations of a Rs 700 crore corruption move linked to the Cooperative Department’s proposed common software project, dismissing Opposition claims as politically motivated and without factual basis. He also dismissed reports of a secret understanding between the CPI(M) and the SDPI, calling them “deliberate misinformation.”

Speaking at a press conference in Palakkad, Vijayan accused senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala of “competing in spreading falsehoods” ahead of the elections. “There is a clear attempt to manufacture corruption narratives by distorting facts. Responding to such claims only helps advance their agenda,” he said.

Clarifying the cooperative software project controversy, Vijayan stated that the tender process for implementing a unified digital platform for cooperative societies had been completed as early as 2021. He noted that Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which was initially part of the process, withdrew unilaterally in 2024. “All procedures were carried out transparently and in accordance with norms,” he asserted, rejecting insinuations of irregularities.

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On the political front, the Chief Minister dismissed allegations of an LDF-SDPI deal, asserting that the Opposition aimed to push the ruling front onto the defensive through baseless propaganda. “People will reject such narratives. They will decide based on their lived experiences,” Vijayan said, expressing confidence of a decisive LDF victory in Palakkad, where he claimed the front enjoys strong public support.

Vijayan also highlighted the government’s development record, particularly in agriculture, noting steady increases in paddy procurement, enhanced financial assistance to farmers, and phased hikes in support prices. “Kerala has witnessed significant agricultural growth between 2016 and 2026, with farmers’ incomes rising by nearly 50 per cent,” he said, countering Opposition criticism with governance outcomes.

The upcoming Palakkad polls are shaping up to be highly competitive. P.K. Sasi is contesting as a Congress-backed candidate from Ottapalam, while A. Suresh, former personal assistant to V.S. Achuthanandan, is the Congress candidate from Malampuzha. Thrithala also witnesses a high-profile contest between sitting State Local Self Government Minister M.B. Rajesh and former two-time legislator V.T. Balram. The race in Palakkad is further intensified with popular actor Ramesh Pisharody fielded by Congress.

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