Kerala Industries Minister EP Jayarajan steps down over nepotism charges
Thiruvananthapuram: The four-month-old LDF government headed by Pinarayi Vijayan suffered a major blow on Friday as industries minister and No. 2 in Cabinet E.P. Jayarajan resigned from Cabinet following allegations of nepotism.
Faced with a stern stand by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the Secretariat meeting and stiff opposition from other members, the Kannur strong man had no other choice, but to offer his resignation which was accepted right away. Mr Jayarajan admitted lapses on his part in appointing Kannur MP P.K. Sree-mathy’s son and his close relative P.K. Sudheer as managing director of Kerala State Industrial Enterprises (KSIE).
Mr Jayarajan’s resignation was accepted by Governor P. Sathasivam later in the evening. The Chief Minister will keep the portfolios of industries and sports which were held by Mr Jaya-rajan till a new minister is appointed. While the resignation has come as a major embarrassment for the 142-day old Pinarayi Vijayan government, the CPM claimed that it indicated the government’s resolve to act tough against nepotism and corruption.
Announcing the decision after the Secretariat meeting, CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said Mr Jayarajan decided to resign to uphold the image and dignity of the LDF government and the party. His resignation has also proved that the LDF government was different from previous UDF dispensations.
Mr Kodiyeri said Jayarajan was one of the top leaders of the party and someone who faced an attack on his life. “He has a bullet still in his body,” he added.
The CPM state secretary said the party came power because of the supreme sacrifices made by hundreds of martyrs and the hard work of lakhs of comrades. The allegations related to the controversial appointments had generated big controversy and led to varied opinions from the public.
He said all these issues were taken into consideration and to uphold the dignity of the party a leader of the stature of Jayarajan decided to submit his resignation. He made it clear that he would not like to cling to power.
Mr Kodiyeri slammed the previous UDF government alleging that there were vigilance cases against eight ministers and even FIRs were registered. However, the chief minister Oommen Chandy told them not to resign.
He cited the case when the court made adverse observations against Mr Babu following which he submitted his resignation letter to Mr Chandy. However, the chief minister didn’t agree to help him go in for an appeal in the court. The stand taken by the party and Jayarajan is exemplary, he said.
Mr Kodiyeri said during the UDF government’s tenure the relatives of ministers were appointed to various PSUs in violation of norms and even the existing rules were amended to facilitate such postings.
The BJP had also failed to take action against Arun Jaitely, Sushma Swaraj and Vasundhara Raje Scindia who faced serious allegations. “This shows the difference between the Left parties and the rest,” he said.
