Kozhikode: Kerala Transport minister AK Saseendran resigned today after an audio clip of a sexually explicit conversation, allegedly between him and a woman, was aired by a local television channel. Within hours, the minister, who was in Kozhikode, hurriedly convened a press meet and announced his resignation. The 71-year-old minister has denied any wrongdoing.
This was the second time a minister stepped down from the 10-month-old LDF government. Five months ago EP Jayarajan, who held the industries portfolio, had resigned following allegations of impropriety.
Mr Saseendran, a member of LDF ally Nationalist Congress Party, said he had not behaved improperly with anyone and his resignation should not be seen as an acceptance of guilt.
"My resignation is to uphold political morality," Mr Saseendran told reporters, adding that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had not asked for his resignation.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan -- who is leading the coalition of 11 parties -- said he viewed the allegations "seriously" and a decision will be taken after "examining all facts".
"I welcome any probe", said Mr Saseendran, a five-time legislator who had switched camp from Congress to Sharad Pawar's NCP. "A proper investigation is needed. All facts should come. My stand is I have not done anything wrong. I am denying the allegation," added the minister, who cancelled all his public programmes at Kozhikode and remained indoors at the government guest house.
This is the second blow to the CPI(M)-led LDF government in Kerala after the resignation of Mr Jayarajan over allegations of nepotism in October. He had allegedly appointed two of his close relatives to top posts in Public Sector Units.
Ramesh Chennithala, the leader of Opposition in the assembly, said the Chief Minister should conduct a probe and if the minister is guilty, he should be asked to resign. "The truth needs to come out. The report has shocked everyone," Mr Chennithala told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram.
Mr Saseendran is one of NCP's two legislators in the state and represents the Elathur constituency.
This was the second time a minister stepped down from the 10-month-old LDF government. Five months ago EP Jayarajan, who held the industries portfolio, had resigned following allegations of impropriety.
Mr Saseendran, a member of LDF ally Nationalist Congress Party, said he had not behaved improperly with anyone and his resignation should not be seen as an acceptance of guilt.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan -- who is leading the coalition of 11 parties -- said he viewed the allegations "seriously" and a decision will be taken after "examining all facts".
Advertisement
This is the second blow to the CPI(M)-led LDF government in Kerala after the resignation of Mr Jayarajan over allegations of nepotism in October. He had allegedly appointed two of his close relatives to top posts in Public Sector Units.
Advertisement
Mr Saseendran is one of NCP's two legislators in the state and represents the Elathur constituency.
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Opinion: Opinion | How CPI(M) Became A Victim Of Its Own Propaganda In Kerala Left Parties Rattled By Buzz About CPI(M) Veteran's Plans To Join BJP Will End "Draconian" Anti-Terror, Anti-Corruption Laws: CPI(M) Manifesto Amid Huge Row, Karnataka Pauses Bill For Reservation In Private Sector Firms Travel Influencer Aanvi Kamdar Dies After Falling Off A Waterfall Near Mumbai Video: Son Of Sharad Pawar's Party Leader, Allegedly Drunk, Crashes SUV Indian Among 6 People Killed In Oman Mosque Shooting Coast Guard Rescues 11 From Boat In Critical Condition Off Kerala Coast Tripura Man Beheads Mother With Sharp-Edged Weapon After Fight Over Money Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.