Letter row: Resignation of DR Anil is just like that of Saji Cheriyan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As per reports, DR Anil resigned from the position of the chairman of the PWD Standing Committee in the Corporation in connection with the letter controversy after he was assured that he would be given the post again. DR Anil resigned as chairman as a concerted effort to end the UDF and BJP protests demanding the mayor's resignation.

CPM sources confirmed that senior leaders of the party have assured Anil that he will return to his post within three months after the controversies cool down. District Secretary Anavoor Nagappan informed Anil about the agreement reached by the state and district leaders in this regard. After the interaction with Anil, the reconciliation talks with the opposition leaders were held under the leadership of the ministers. Speaking to Anil, leaders cited Saji Cheriyan return to the second Pinarayi cabinet as an example. He was also reminded of the return of AK Saseendran and EP Jayarajan after resigning from the first Pinarayi cabinet. On Sunday, DR Anil told Kerala Kaumudi that he will also come back like Saji Cheriyan.

However, a section of CPM leaders say that Anil's return will not be easy. Anil is confident that no evidence will be found to implicate him in the vigilance and crime branch investigations. Meanwhile, opposition councilors allege that if Anil's mobile phone is checked, the investigation will move to the mayor. Despite the pressure, the lack of progress in the case is giving the crime branch a headache. As part of that, the hard disk and computers of the mayor's office were seized. But the opposition alleges that this is a play by the crime branch after destroying the evidence.

Active discussion to choose Standing Committee Chairman

The discussion about who will be the chairman of the standing committee is active in the CPM. If it is based on previous experience in the council, Medayil Vikraman, member of the Kazhakootam area committee, is more likely to get selected. Vikraman is a member of the Council for the second time. D. Ramesan, member of the Kazhakootam area committee, is also a possibility. Ramesan was the chairman of the Standing Committee on Welfare during the period 2005-2010 when Kazhakoottam was a panchayat. LS Saju is also a possibility if the post of chairman is decided to be given to a member of the Vanchiyoor Area Committee. DR Anil is a member of the Vanchiyoor Area Committee. One section points out that there is no need to look at past history and consider the contributions made by Saju towards the party.