Politics · India Bureau
Kerala minister alleges selective probe targeting KIIFB land deals
A Kerala minister has accused the state government of using vigilance investigations to obstruct development projects funded through KIIFB. The allegation centers on what he claims is selective targeting of land acquisition procedures in certain districts.
LSN India ·
A senior Kerala minister on Tuesday alleged that the state's Vigilance directorate is selectively targeting land acquisition procedures tied to the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) in specific districts, claiming the probe aims to stall development initiatives.
Jayarajan contended that similar land acquisition procedures have been followed across multiple districts, but only projects in Kannur have faced Vigilance scrutiny. He pointed out that comparable methodologies used in Palakkad have not drawn similar investigative attention, raising questions about the probe's fairness and scope.
The minister highlighted that KIIFB-funded projects valued at over ₹40,000 crore have already been successfully completed across the state. He warned that the ongoing investigation could jeopardise forthcoming projects, including a significant industrial park planned near Kannur airport that is expected to boost the region's economic development.
Jayarajan's accusations come amid broader concerns about the pace of infrastructure development in Kerala and the role of vigilance mechanisms in project implementation. His remarks underscore tensions within the state's governance apparatus regarding the balance between oversight and developmental progress.