Kerala BJP Flags GST, Contract Irregularities in Argentina Team Visit Plan

The Kerala BJP on Friday demanded a CBI probe into alleged procedural and financial irregularities surrounding the previous LDF government’s plan to bring football superstar Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team to the state.

Senior BJP leader S Suresh, addressing a press conference, urged Chief Minister V D Satheesan to hand over the investigation to the central agency, alleging that crores of rupees were misappropriated by using the name of the state government.

Suresh described the matter as involving an international agreement with Argentina and other countries and claimed that it had links with embassies and other international entities. He alleged that former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the CPI(M) were involved in what he termed a financial “loot”.

The BJP leader questioned whether the UDF government would reach an understanding with the previous LDF administration to settle the issue. He also claimed that details of alleged GST evasion had emerged and demanded registration of a criminal case and the arrest of those responsible.

According to Suresh, a report examining the financial transactions connected with the proposed visit is currently pending before the chief minister. He alleged that the sponsor initially signed an agreement for the Argentina team’s visit but later amended it without the state government’s knowledge.

Suresh further claimed that a USD 4-million penalty was imposed for an alleged violation of the agreement. He questioned the state government’s reported communication to the Argentine ambassador that payment of the penalty could affect Kerala’s financial position.

“How would that affect the state’s financial position?” he asked, seeking clarity on the government’s position.

Separately, Suresh urged the Satheesan government to ensure that the complete Vande Mataram is sung in accordance with legislation passed by Parliament, asserting that the state government was bound to follow the law.