Palakkad

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday dismissed allegations of a Rs 700 crore corruption in the Cooperative Department’s common software project, calling them politically motivated and without facts.

Speaking to the media, Vijayan also denied claims of a secret understanding between the Left Democratic Front and the Social Democratic Party of India. He termed such allegations as misinformation aimed at confusing voters before the elections.

The Chief Minister was responding to accusations made by senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala. Vijayan said there was a deliberate attempt to create false corruption stories by twisting facts and added that responding to such claims would only give them more attention.

Clarifying the software project, he said the tender process for developing a unified digital system for cooperative societies was completed in 2021. He added that Tata Consultancy Services, which was part of the project, withdrew on its own in 2024. He stressed that all procedures were followed properly and transparently.

Highlighting achievements, Vijayan said the government has improved the agriculture sector through higher paddy procurement, better financial support, and increased minimum support prices. He claimed farmers’ income has risen significantly over the years.

Meanwhile, Palakkad has become a key election battleground with intense contests involving leaders like M. B. Rajesh and V. T. Balram. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that voters would reject false claims and support development.