BJP claims ‘fixed match’ between LDF and UDF in CMRL case; Shone George puts out alleged payoff list
The BJP has accused Kerala's ruling UDF and opposition LDF of a 'fixed match' regarding the CMRL-Exalogic payoff scandal, citing a purported list of political beneficiaries. The allegations have sparked a political firestorm, with various leaders from both major fronts and the BJP itself being implicated in the circulating documents.
Why it matters
Corruption allegations involving high-level political figures can significantly impact state governance and electoral outcomes.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday (September 24, 2026) sought to portray that the ruling Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Keralam are playing a “fixed match” in the CMRL-Exalogic payoff case.
Putting out a purported list of payoffs made to political leaders by S.N. Sasidharan Kartha, the managing director of Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL), BJP State vice-president Shone George questioned the government for not filing an FIR or launching a Vigilance probe into the CMRL-Exalogic payoff allegations.
The list of names and payments allegedly made to them, which Mr. George claimed was shared by YouTuber Shajan Skariah on WhatsApp, included the names of Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan, Forest Minister Shibu Baby John, Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, Hibi Eden, MP, as well as several other Congress, CPI(M), CPI leaders.
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