Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Minister Saji Cherian announced his resignation on Wednesday amid mounting criticism from various quarters, including the opposition, over his controversial remarks against the recent Constitution.
Apparently succumbing to pressure, Cherian – a senior CPI(M) leader who holds the portfolios of Cultural Affairs, Fisheries and Youth Affairs in the cabinet – met with media persons at the Chief Minister’s Office and announced that he had submitted his resignation to CM Pinarayi Vijayan. has been handed over.
He is the first minister to resign from the second LDF government led by Vijayan.
Amid demands for his sacking from the opposition, Cherian said it was his independent decision to step down as the minister.
He insisted that it was never his intention to disrespect the Constitution, for which he has the highest regard and respect.
Cherian further said in his press conference, that his recent speech was misinterpreted or partially portrayed or broadcast by the news media, resulting in a false message that he had disrespected the Constitution.
“I was hurt by this kind of depiction of what I said. I also believe that the aim was to destabilize the ruling Left government.
He also alleged that it is the Congress and the BJP which have failed several times in upholding the glory of the Constitution.
Reacting to his resignation, senior Congress MLA and former state minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said, “It was his speech that led to his resignation. However, he did not regret his words while addressing the media announcing his resignation. Cherian needs to clarify whether he stands by his speech against the Constitution. KPCC chief K Sudhakaran also said that he has no remorse in Cherian’s voice.
“However, it is good that he came out without much protest. Our Constitution is special because it is the only one that calls for unity in diversity. If this constitution is weakened then our country will be lost.
“Fascist forces want to weaken our Constitution. If they come to power, this country will be defeated. We will not allow anyone to weaken our Constitution.”
Earlier in the day, after attending a meeting of the State Secretariat available at the AKG Centre, Cherian answered a question whether he would resign with a question of his own – “Why?” “… .
At the same time, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury told reporters in New Delhi that the matter was being discussed by the state leadership and “appropriate action” would be taken.
The assembly proceedings were disrupted in the morning due to opposition agitation demanding Cherian’s resignation, due to which the house was adjourned for the day.
After holding a brief sit-in at the portal of the hall with placards, the UDF members later gathered in front of BR Ambedkar’s statue in the assembly complex and raised slogans accusing Cherian of ‘insulting’ the architect of the Constitution through his means. harsh comment.
Apart from this, there were protests in different parts of the state demanding his resignation.
A two-time MLA and a first-time minister, Cherian had been representing the Chengannur constituency in the state assembly since 2018.
The 57-year-old leader was regarded as a strong leader of the ruling party in Alappuzha district and a confidant of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who began his political career as a student leader of the Students Federation of India (SFI) and Democratic Youth Federation of India. was done in DYFI, Cherian also held various party positions during his decade long political career.
Though he first contested in the 2006 assembly elections, he lost to PC Vishnunath of Congress.
He was elected as MLA in 2018 by-election from Chengannur constituency with a record margin.
During the 2021 assembly election, he won by a margin of over 30,000 votes defeating his nearest rival.
This report is automatically generated from PTI news service. ThePrint assumes no responsibility for its contents.