Kochi: The central committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has censured E.P. Jayarajan, MLA. and P.K. Sreemathy, MP, for the appointment of some of their close relatives in state public sector undertakings when Mr Jayarajan was the industries minister.
The meeting of the central committee, the highest decision-making body in CPM, currently meeting in Delhi, decided to take action against the two on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, party general secretary Sitaram Yechury confirmed the action against the two and said that they had expressed “regret” for their lapses.
The disciplinary action follows the report submitted by the state unit of the party as well as the explanations given by the two closely related leaders.
Mr Jayarajan was not present at the meeting that took the decision in the presence of Ms Sreemathy.
Mr Jayarajan stayed away citing ill health. Sources said Mr Yechury insisted on action despite a section of members from Kerala trying to soft pedal. They also cited the absence of Mr Jayarajan as an excuse.
Mr Yechury, however, brushed aside the objections and argued that there cannot be any compromise on corruption and a decision on such matters needed in a time-bound manner.
The appointment of Deepthi Nishad, daughter-in-law of Mr Jayarajan’s brother as general manager of Kerala Clays and Ceramics, and Sudhir Nambiar, son of Sreemathy teacher as managing director of Kerala State Industrial Enterprises (KSIE) has created a huge controversy in the state forcing Mr Jayarajan to quit as minister.
