PalakkadPalakkad: CPM leader and former minister A K Balan demanded an apology from Muvattupuzha MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan over his allegations against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter T Veena, a day after the finance minister's office told the latter that her company Exalogic had paid required Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) for the business transactions with CMRL, a Kochi-based private minerals company. 

Balan told reporters here on Sunday, that the Congress MLA must apologise to Veena and the CM's family at least once if he is planning to continue with his political career.

While Balan demanded an apology, CPM MP A A Rahim said Kuzhalnadan was suffering from 'attention seeking syndrome' and that the KPCC should give him good treatment. "The (Congress) leader who keeps making allegations against the Chief Minister and his daughter has a serious illness. He tries to cover up his corruption to get a higher position in his own party. For three days, this MLA with attention-seeking syndrome held a press conference regarding the so-called non-payment of GST. Because of his illness, he wasted the media's precious hours.

"He said he would apologise if it is proven that IGST has been paid. It's been almost 24 hours since the news came out (that Exalogic has paid its taxes). Why not apologise? This means he is seeking attention. Using these tactics he wants to be the KPCC treasurer. By making baseless accusations and beating the internal competition, he wants to come to the leadership of his party," Rahim said.

Responding to Balan's demand, Kuzhalnadan reiterated that he would apologise if his allegations were proven wrong. But he added that Balan must be ready to listen to his questions before demanding an apology. The Congress leader added that he would not stop seeking answers regarding the GST payment. "Let the public give their verdict," he said.

With this, it is confirmed that the political row over the allegations against the Chief Minister's daughter will continue in the state. 

(With PTI inputs)