The Kerala State Secretariat of CPM has resolved to bring former Minister Saji Cherian, back to the cabinet. He is MLA from Chengannur and former Minister of Fisheries, Culture and Youth Affairs to the Government led by CPM supremo Pinarayi Vijayan given the pressure and protest by BJP and Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) when Janam TV, a Malayalam channel, telecasted the video of his alleged anti-Constitution speech. His speech was on July 3 last year, and he resigned on July 6.
Addressing a party gathering in Mallappally, Pathanamthitta District, he said that country’s Constitution permits exploitation and looting of the people. He said that secularism and democracy had been added here and there, but it is being used to exploit the commoner. When he resigned, he said that resignation was his own decision. There was no force behind it. He added that it was not suitable for him to continue as a minister. It was reported that CPM central leadership had given its nod to resign.
Even though the police had received a complaint against the Minister, they hesitated to take action. Then the complainant approached Tiruvilla Court. Then only police registered a case. Initially, after receiving the complaint police did not take any action. Because “they did not have evidence”! Then Janam TV informed them of their willingness to give the video to them. Pat came to their reaction: “It had to be proved that it was the voice of Saji”! After some time, the complainant moved the court; then consequently, the police registered the case.
At that time, the correct-thinking people had opined that there was no scope for justice if Kerala Police inquired about the ruling party’s prominent leader, a blue-eyed boy of the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
As expected, police submitted before the court that there was no evidence against Saji Cherian; hence the case was closed! The police report said there was no evidence of abusing the Constitution. He was only criticising it. Since Pinarayi had not inducted a replacement for Saji in the cabinet, people suspected it was a move to bring Saji back. Now, the suspicion has been confirmed.
BJP and UDF have alleged that since the case still pends before the court, swearing in of the accused is a challenge to the judiciary.
Reports suggest that Chief Minister Pinarayi has sent a letter to the Governor seeking consent for Saji’s swearing-in on January 4, 2023. Governor is expected to return to the state on January 2. He has reportedly sought the Raj Bhavan Standing Counsel’s legal advice before making a final decision.
BJP state president K Surendran alleged that the CPM’s move to bring Saji Cherian back to the cabinet is anti-constitutional. He wondered if six-month removal from the Ministry was the proper punishment for insulting the Constitution. He referred to the Minister’s resignation on July 6 and returned on January 4. BJP would oppose this move legally and politically. UDF has declared to observe a black day when Saji swears in.
