Thiruvananthapuram: CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Wednesday hinted at action against industries minister E.P. Jayarajan in connection with the controversial appointments of children and relatives of party leaders including ministers.
Reacting to questions from media, the party general secretary said that the state leadership was looking into the controversial appointments. “The state secretariat is meeting on October 14. Corrective action will be taken,” Mr Yechury said giving sufficient indications that the party was not ready to compromise on issues of corruption and nepotism.
Close on the heels of the controversial appointments in industries department, central committee member M.C. Josephine has shot off a letter to state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan alleging favouritism and nepotism in appointment of government pleaders. There are allegations that close relatives of party leaders had been given such positions in violation of set norms.
She pointed out that the controversial appointments had dented the image of the party and the government. The CC member demanded a detailed discussion on the issue within the party fora and immediate corrective measures.
Many party leaders felt that the appointment of close relatives of leaders amounted to dishonouring the massive mandate given by people to LDF for its unflinching stand against corruption and favouritism of the previous UDF government.
The people voted LDF government to check such malpractices and corrupt activities. Any delay or failure to take corrective measures will send a wrong message among the masses and even put a big question mark over the party’s commitment to fight corruption and nepotism.
