Why should I resign? Have said everything yesterday itself, says Saji Cheriyan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister Saji Cheriyan has clarified that he will not resign even as the controversy rages on. He spoke to the media while coming out after the CPM available secretariat meeting at AKG Centre. Why should I resign, I have said everything yesterday, the minister responded?

The chief minister and the party's state secretary met at the AKG Centre in the wake of the controversies. Saji Cheriyan was summoned soon after this. Saji Cheriyan arrived with Minister V N Vasavan. Have not criticised the Constitution. Express regret for misinterpreting it. The news was twisted. He responded the other day that he did not intend to insult the Constitution or say things against it.

Meantime, the opposition disrupted the assembly proceedings demanding the resignation of Minister Saji Cheriyan for his controversial remarks on the Constitution. The assembly adjourned for the day within minutes of the start of the question hour. As soon as the question hour started, the opposition was creating an uproar. They shouted slogans against the minister without raising questions. After that, the opposition trooped to the well of the house. The assembly convened only for eight minutes.

The minister while speaking at a public event in Mallapally said the Constitution of India is meant to help the people to loot the country. After the speech triggered a controversy, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan sought an explanation from him. Congress and BJP leaders had complained to the Governor on this issue and Governor Arif Muhammad Khan responded that he hoped the chief minister would take an appropriate decision.