Bribery Case: Kerala Excise Minister K Babu Withdraws Resignation

Kochi: Hours after Kerala's ruling Congress-led UDF decided not to accept his resignation in connection with the bar bribery case, Congress leader K Babu today decided to withdraw his resignation as minister from the Oommen Chandy Cabinet.

Mr Babu, who had tendered his resignation a week ago in the wake of the vigilance court ordering registration of an FIR against him in the bar bribery case, said personally he was not interested in returning to the government but, as an obedient party worker, he was compelled to withdraw his resignation.

"Though I am not interested in returning to the ministership, I, as an obedient party worker, accept the decision taken by the party leadership and UDF. In such a situation, I am compelled to withdraw my resignation," Mr Babu told reporters at his residence in Thrippunithura near Kochi.

The chief minister had not forwarded the resignation letter to the Governor.

Mr Babu, who represents Thrippunithura Assembly Constituency, said it was his personal decision to quit the government following the vigilance court order.

"That vigilance court order has been stayed by the High Court. After submitting my resignation, I had avoided my official vehicle and an application was given to allot a room in MLA hostel."

"But UDF leadership decided not to accept my resignation. I spoke to Chief Minister. I am grateful to the leadership of Congress and UDF for reposing their faith in me," Mr Babu, who holds portfolios including Excise, Port and Fisheries, said.

The UDF meeting attended by senior leaders, including Mr Chandy and other coalition party leaders at Thiruvanathapuram, decided that there was no need for Mr Babu to resign as the High Court had stayed the vigilance court proceedings against him for two months.

After the vigilance court had ordered registering of FIR against him, Mr Babu had resigned on January 23.