BJP demands resignation of Kerala CPI(M) leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan

The BJP on Wednesday demanded the resignation of Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, the Kerala unit secretary of the ruling CPI(M), over reports that his son allegedly defrauded a firm in Dubai to the tune of Rs 13 crore, claiming that his action had "shamed" India.

BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimhra Rao said Balakrishnan's son Binoy Kodiyeri had used "strong arm tactics" of his father to commit the cheating and demanded that he should subject himself to police probe in Dubai.

"It is a major case of financial fraud. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan also has a negative image and had made atrocious comments against the Army," Rao told reporters, and quoted reports to claim the firm had approached CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as well.

The post of party secretary is the most powerful position in a state unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Rao said, demanding that Balakrishnan resign from his position.
The case, he said, has "shamed" India at a time when its image was flying "high" due to efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The BJP leader also demanded explanation from Yechury and Vijayan over the matter. PTI KR