Kerala Minister Saji Cheriyan on Wednesday introduced his resignation amidst mounting criticism from numerous quarters, together with the Opposition, over his controversial remarks towards the Constitution not too long ago. Apparently succumbing to stress, Cheriyan — a senior CPI(M) chief who holds Cultural Affairs, Fisheries and Youth Affairs portfolios within the cupboard — met media individuals on the Chief Minister’s Office and introduced that he has handed over his resignation to CM Pinarayi Vijayan.
He is the primary minister to resign from the second LDF authorities headed by Vijayan.
Amid Opposition requires his sacking, Cheriyan mentioned it was his impartial determination to give up as minister. He insisted that it was by no means his intention to disrespect the Constitution for which he has the very best regard and respect. Cheriyan additional mentioned, in his press convention, that his current speech was incorrectly interpreted or partially depicted or carried by the information media which resulted in conveying a mistaken message that he disrespected the Constitution. “I was hurt by such a portrayal of what I had said. I also believe it was aimed at destabilising the ruling Left government,” he mentioned.
He additionally alleged that it was the Congress and the BJP which have failed many occasions to uphold the majesty of the Constitution.
Reacting to his resignation, senior Congress MLA and former state minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan mentioned, “it was his speech that led to his resignation. However, while addressing the media announcing his resignation, he did not express regret for his words. Cheriyan needs to make it clear whether he stands by his speech against the Constitution.” KPCC chief Okay Sudhakaran too mentioned that he heard no remorse in Cheriyan’s voice.
“However, it is good that he exited without much protest. Our Constitution is special as this is the only one which calls for a unity in diversity. If this Constitution is weakened, then our country will be lost. “The fascists 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,” he added.
Earlier within the day, after attending a gathering of the accessible state secretariat at AKG Centre, Cheriyan responded to questions on whether or not he could be resigning with a question of his personal — “why?” “.. What is the problem? I already said what I had to say yesterday,” he mentioned in response to repeated queries by reporters outdoors the get together headquarters on whether or not he would resign or if his resignation had been sought.
At the identical time, CPI(M) common secretary Sitaram Yechury instructed reporters in New Delhi that the matter was being mentioned by the state management and “appropriate action” could be taken.
In the morning, the state meeting proceedings have been disrupted by the opposition’s agitations demanding Cheriyan’s resignation resulting in the House being adjourned for the day.
After staging a short sit-in protest on the portal of the corridor with placards, the UDF members later gathered in entrance of the statue of B R Ambedkar on the Assembly campus and raised slogans accusing Cheriyan of ‘insulting’ the architect of the Constitution via his harsh remarks.
Besides that there have been protests in numerous components of the state demanding his resignation.
A two-time MLA and first time minister, Cheriyan had been representing Chengannur constituency within the state Assembly since 2018.
The 57-year-old chief was thought-about as a strongman of the ruling get together in Alappuzha district and a confidante of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Beginning his political profession as a scholar chief of the Students Federation of India (SFI) and Democratic Youth Federation of India DYFI, Cheriyan additionally held numerous get together posts throughout his decade-long political life.
Though he had contested for the primary time within the 2006 Assembly election, he misplaced to Congress’s P C Vishnunath.
He was elected to the House as legislator within the by-election in 2018 from Chengannur constituency by a report margin.
During the 2021 Assembly election, he gained by a margin of over 30,000 votes beating his nearest rival.
Source: www.financialexpress.com”