Kerala's Opposition Leader Defends LDF Against Messi Project Corruption Allegations, Accuses Rivals of Distraction

On August 12, Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala’s Leader of the Opposition, defended the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government against corruption allegations related to a failed plan to host the 2025 Argentina football team and Lionel Messi. He said the project did not involve public funds and welcomed an anti-corruption probe by the UDF government, which he accused of diverting attention from poor flood response. The Sports department’s internal report cited potential service tax fraud, money laundering, and other offenses costing ₹13 lakh for a minister's Spain visit.