×
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Facing flak over remarks against Constitution, Kerala Minister Saji Cheriyan resigns from cabinet posts

He insisted that it was never his intention to disrespect the Constitution for which he has the highest regard and respect
Last Updated 06 July 2022, 15:57 IST

In wake of the widespread condemnation over his remarks against the Indian Constitution, Kerala culture minister, and CPM leader, Saji Cheriyan resigned on Wednesday.

Cheriyan’s statement, at a recent function, that the Constitution enabled exploitation and looting of the people and was against the struggles of the working class invited public outcry. The Congress as well as the Bharatiya Janata Party demanded his immediate resignation.

Although Cheriyan told media persons that the decision to step down from his post was his own, it was learnt that party central leadership compelled the minister to submit his resignation. Earlier during the day, too, Cheriyan had maintained there was no need for him to resign. But CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury told a section of the media that the party state leadership would take appropriate action.

Cheriyan, a second-time MLA from Chengannur in Alappuzha district and a first-time minister, is a close confidant of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He is the first minister to resign from the 13-month-old second term of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led administration. Apart from culture, Cheriyan also held portfolios of fisheries, cinema and youth affairs.

Announcing his resignation, Cheriyan reiterated that he never insulted the Constitution. A portion of his hour-long speech at a programme organised by the party at Mallappally, Pathanamthitta, on July 3 was telecast by the media.

He said it triggered a misleading campaign against the CPM and the Left parties that were trying to resist attempts to sabotage the Constitution’s values. Cheriyan said that he decided to resign as a fair investigation into his speech could be affected if he remained as a state cabinet member.

The Congress, which mounted pressure on the government for his resignation, also protested during the Kerala Assembly session, causing disruption.

News of Cheriyan’s controversial remarks surfaced on Tuesday, where he said the Constitution was prepared by the British and was still being followed by India. Only a few words like secularism and democracy were added to it.

ADVERTISEMENT
(Published 06 July 2022, 12:58 IST)

Follow us on

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT