Thiruvananthapuram, July 5 (BPNS)
In Kerala, a minister has courted controversy over his comments about the Indian Constitution. Its minister for fisheries, culture, and youth affairs Saji Cherian who got landed in a soup as he said that the Constitution is written in such a way that it helps to rob and exploit the people of our country.
While the Opposition including the BJP instantly demanded the resignation of the minister alleging breach of oath, they also knocked at the door of Governor Arif Mohammad Khan to intervene and take appropriate action. At the same time, the Governor said that he is keeping a watch and he is yet to seek a report from the government. Meanwhile, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has sought an explanation from the minister. The ruling front CPI (M) believes that following the explanation from the minister, the matter should be considered a closed one. The front also rejected calls for the resignation of the minister.
Earlier, Saji Cherian read out a statement in the Assembly regarding his remarks against the Constitution at a function organized at Mallapally in Pathanamthitta last Sunday. Despite the imbroglio, the minister stands firm on his remarks. He also refuses to apologize. He stated that his comments might have been deliberately distorted. He further added that if it got misinterpreted he feels sorry for the same.
“I am a politician who upholds the Constitution and its values. Our Constitution guarantees social and economic justice. But nowhere it has been mentioned that we could approach the court if we are denied the same. There are several such weaknesses. As a responsible social activist, I tried to expose the same. At no point did I disown the Constitution,” said Saji in his statement.
However, talking to the media, the Governor said that as citizens everyone is expected to uphold the Constitution, and in the case of those in responsible positions they had a special responsibility to respect the Constitution.
At the same time, CPI (M) politburo member MA Baby, said that the remarks might be a slip of the tongue and added that no criticism was made against the Constitution.
