Kerala challenging federal structure of constitution: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajanth Singh on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Pinarayi Vijayan government over its decision to hold a judicial inquiry against central agencies probing the gold smuggling scam. Addressing the pree conferance in Thiruvananthpuram, Singh alleged that by ordering a probe against the Central agencies the Kerala government is trying to challenge the federal structure of the Constitution. The senior BJP leader further stressed that if the saffron party comes to the power, it will make legislation for the protection of traditions and practices of Sabrimala. "This is our well-considered decision," he said.  On Saturday, Singh said that the BJP's vote percentage and seats will increase in Kerala. "BJP has emerged as an alternative in the state. Our number of seats will also increase in this election in Kerala," he said. Rajnath Singh also took part in a road show in Thiruvananthpuram on Sunday. 

The Kerala cabinet has appointed Retired Judge KV Mohanan as the commissioner. He will consider the controversial audio recording of Swapna Suresh, the prime accused in the gold smuggling case, and a letter written by co-accused PS Sarith. The Kerala gold smuggling case, which is being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA,) along with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the customs department, pertains to the smuggling of gold in the state through diplomatic channels. The Vijayan-government had, in November last year, withdrawn general consent accorded to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for registering cases in the state.