Congress' Anil Akkara accuses Kerala CM Vijayan of FCRA violation in LIFE Mission project

In a controversial statement, Anil Akkara, a former Congress legislator, claimed that Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala, violated Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) while working on Red Crescent-developed Wadakkanchery LIFE Mission project.

Anil Akkara claimed in an interview on Friday that decision for Red Crescent to build a housing complex in Wadakamcherry and give it to government was made in a meeting presided over by Chief Minister. Additionally, Congress MLA claimed that approval from Foreign Affairs department is necessary in order to receive foreign cash for such activities.

Congress MLA furr claimed that CM and LSGD ministers' decisions resulted in conversion of nearly Rs 4.5 crore to dollars and ir exportation abroad. Akkara urged that former Local Self-Government Body (LSGD) Minister AC Moideen and CM Pinarayi Vijayan be brought to justice by federal government and sought an investigation.

He said, "As CBI is enquiring about case, Chief Minister does t have right to continue as CM, and he should resign."

What is Life Mission scam?

Life Mission is a government project that offered free accommodation to those left homeless during 2018 floods in Kerala. irregularities of case came to light during investigation of gold smuggling by Enforcement Directorate. Around 2 kg of gold and Rs 2 crore in cash were purportedly seized by ED from Swapna Suresh in October 2020.

primary suspect in gold smuggling case, Swapna Suresh, had previously disclosed to ED that funds came from commissions Sivasankar received for signing a contract with Red Crescent, a global humanitarian organisation, to house flood victims in Thrissur district's Wadakkanchery. Swapna reportedly received a request from Sivasankar to keep money in her locker.

According to sources, Kerala government brokered its alleged agreement with Red Crescent without informing federal government and in violation of FCRA regulations. Kerala government under Vijayan moved court to argue that deal did t violate FCRA, twithstanding CBI's objections and ir filing of a case. However, matter was t dismissed by court.