Pinarayi Vijayan's government in Kerala set to lose minister following nepotism scandal
Highlights
- Industries Minister EP Jayarajan's resignation accepted
- Jayarajan, 66, had been accused of nepotism in appointments
- LDF had scored victory in Kerala elections on campaign against corruption
Kerala's number two minister EP Jayarajan resigned on Friday, steeped in charges of nepotism that have embarrassed the four-month-old Left-led government after its election pledge to fight corruption.
"Jayarajan offered his resignation keeping the image of the government and the party in mind. The party has approved his offer," said CPM leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.
The 66-year-old Industries Minister is accused of handing out well-paying government jobs to at least six associates and relatives. At a party meeting "he admitted that it was wrong on his part", said Mr Balakrishnan.
Mr Jayarajan's troubles started earlier this month when questions were raised on the appointment of his nephew PK Sudheer Nambiar as managing director of the state-run Kerala State Industrial Enterprise.
More cases tumbled out. Amid opposition fury, Mr Jayaraman's nephew's wife quit her job in a government department for clay and ceramic products.
Taking a stern view, the CPM asked Mr Jayaraman to submit a list of appointments he had made in the past few months. Sources said in a cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan dismissed Mr Jayarajan's attempts to defend himself. He also posted on Facebook that the state's top bureaucrat, the Chief Secretary, has been asked to examine the allegations of nepotism.
The Vigilance department also ordered an investigation after a complaint by opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala. Speaking to NDTV, he said: "It's just 4 months since the govt came to power but it's already corrupt. Nepotism is nothing but corruption."
Senior CPM leader Sitaram Yechury said: "The foundation of our party is quite distinct. If some mistake is (committed) then corrective measures are taken without any hesitation."
Mr Jayarajan is familiar with controversy. Olympian Anju Bobby George resigned as state sports council chief after she claimed that the minister had insulted her by accusing her of corruption.
As Sports Minister, Mr Jayarajan was lacerated on social media when after the death of Muhammed Ali, he called the iconic boxer a "prominent Kerala sportsperson" who had won many medals for the state.