Final decision on Saji Cheriyan’s resignation at tomorrow’s CPM secretariat, central leaders express dissatisfaction

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A decision will be taken by the CPM state secretariat tomorrow on the resignation of Minister Saji Cheriyan for his anti-Constitution remarks. There has been a strong demand for this from all sides. Though the issue was discussed in the available secretariat convened here today, a decision will be taken in the full secretariat meet convened tomorrow.

Meantime, the CPM central leadership expressed dissatisfaction on minister’s remarks. CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury said that he has sought a clarification from the state leadership and an amicable solution will be taken by them.

In today's available secretariat meeting, strong criticisms were raised against the minister. The leaders pointed that it was an act of arming the opponents and should have controlled words. It is also reported that the constituent parties, including the CPI want Saji Cheriyan to stay away from the cabinet till the court takes a decision.

However, Saji Cheriyan reiterated that he criticized the administration and not the constitution. The minister asked why should I resign when the media queried him whether he would resign. He spoke to the media when he came out after the CPM available secretariat meeting held at the AKG Centre. The minister's response was that why should he resign when I have said everything yesterday.

The minister while speaking at an event in Mallapally the other day, said the Indian Constitution is meant to help the people of the country to loot. After the controversial speech, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan sought an explanation from Saji Cheriyan. 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.