Minister in Kerala resigns
RESIGNATION IS NOT AN ADMISSION OF GUILT, SASEENDRAN SAYS
A.K. Saseendran’s decision comes after a audio clip emerges of him speaking dirty to a woman |
K erala Transport Minister A.K. Saseendran yesterday announced his resignation from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM)-led Left Democratic Front government in Kerala after a purported audio clip of him speaking in sexual undertones to a woman emerged.
The audio clip was released by a Malayalam television channel yesterday afternoon.
Hours later, the minister, who was in Kozhikode, hurriedly convened a press meet and announced his resignation.
Saseendran, of the Nationalist Congress Party, a coalition party of Left Democratic Front (LDF), said he had already informed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who he said had not sought his resignation.
The minister said his resignation should not be seen as an acceptance of guilt, however. “My resignation is to uphold political morality,” he told reporters.
Pointing out that he had not behaved in an improper manner with anyone, Saseendran said he was prepared to face any probe. “My stand is I have not done anything wrong. I am denying the allegation and welcome any probe,” he said.
Sudden blow
Congress and Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala condemned the alleged act by the minister. “The situation in the state is such that women and children cannot complain even to a minister. The chief minister must look into the matter, and if true, ask for the minister’s resignation”, Chennithala said.
Saseendran is the second minister after E.P. Jayarajan, former Industries Minister, to quit the 10-month-old Vijayan cabinet.
Jayarajan resigned over charges of nepotism for appointing two of his close relatives to top positions in state public sector undertakings.
The development comes at a time close to when the Malappuram bypoll is to be held (April 12).
As soon as media reports surfaced, Saseendran cancelled all his public programmes at Kozhikode and remained at the government guesthouse.
Big blow to government
Meanwhile, Vijayan said he took the allegations “seriously.” “After examining all facts, a decision will be taken,” he said.
Vijayan said the minister had spoken to him.
The Saseendran episode is a big blow to the LDF government, because the ministry came to power in May 2016 in the backdrop of the infamous murder of Jisha, a young woman in Perumbavoor, and the LDF had promised to put an end to atrocities against women and children.
Saseendran is a senior and seasoned state politician in Kerala, having won the assembly elections multiple times, and is also a national working committee member of the Nationalist Congress Party. The party has one more MLA in the state, Thomas Chandy.