Kerala's Chief Minister Satheesan has initiated an investigation into the AFA agreement involving Lionel Messi and has raised concerns about potential GST violations.

The Chief Minister of Kerala, V.D. Satheesan, addressed the media today to discuss the ongoing investigation into the controversial agreement between the state and the Argentine Football Association. This agreement was linked to the proposed visit of football legend Lionel Messi to Kerala in 2025.

Satheesan revealed that the agreement is under scrutiny and initial findings suggest serious errors and possible violations of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). According to Satheesan, the agreement was handed over to a private company without following the necessary protocol of inviting an Expression of Interest. He also expressed concern that the state government was kept in the dark about the details of the agreement.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the government is taking this matter seriously and the Finance Department will take action to recover any loss to the state's exchequer if GST violations are found. Satheesan further revealed that the preliminary report also mentioned that the previous government was aware of the GST issue but did not take any action. A detailed probe is currently underway and the government will take necessary action based on the findings.

The Chief Minister assured that the government will ensure that the state's interests are protected and will hold those responsible accountable. In response to the recent Meta controversy, Satheesan clarified that his only request to the company was regarding the official Instagram account of the Chief Minister's Office. He denied asking for the removal of any posts critical of him and stated that no one from his office approached Meta for such action.

Satheesan also addressed allegations made by the Left party, claiming that they got his interview removed from a television channel by writing to Meta. He called these accusations baseless and reiterated his support for media organizations to take up the matter with the company. In other news, the Cabinet decided to provide financial aid of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the victims of the 2024 Wayanad disaster.

The total amount set aside for this is Rs 5 crore. The Cabinet also approved guidelines for the distribution of Onam bonus to employees of Public Sector Undertakings for the year 2025-26. Addressing the issue of Vizhinjam port, Satheesan announced that commercial movement of EXIM cargo will begin on August 18, marking a shift from its current operations of only transhipment.

The Cabinet also decided to oppose the Centre's proposed Mines and Minerals Development Bill, stating that it encroaches on the state's constitutional domain. Satheesan expressed concern that this legislation goes against the principles of federalism and the state will take necessary action, including legal recourse, if it becomes law. Lastly, Satheesan mentioned that an SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for handling cases of fishermen going missing at sea will be announced soon.

In conclusion, the Chief Minister assured that his government is committed to addressing all issues and working towards the betterment of the state.