CPI(M) leader and Kerala Minister Saji Cheriyan Resigns Over Anti-Constitution speech

On Wednesday, Kerala Minister Saji Cheriyan announced his resignation. The resignation comes a day after the MMinister stirred controversy for his anti-consituitin remarks. He stated that Constitution "condones exploitation" and is written in a way that helps to "plunder" the people of the country.

At a press conference at Kerala Chief Minister's office, the senior CPI(M) leader announced that he is resigning while also adding that his remarks were "misconstrued". Cheriyan further pointed out that it was never his intention to disrespect the Constitution, for which he has the highest regard and respect. "I never intended to insult the Constitution. People misunderstood what was said in the speech. My speech was misconstrued," said the CPI(M) leader

Cheriyan, stating that his party always stood by the Constitution, added that the party is facing extraordinary times and have always protected Constitutional values. Cheriyan, who held the Cultural Affairs and Fisheries portfolios in the Pinaryi Vijayan-led cabinet, said that he has handed over his resignation to the CM. He said it was his independent decision to quit as a minister.

The controversy started when a media platform Tuesday aired a speech the CPI(M) leader delivered recently during a political programme at Mallappally in the Pathanamthitta district. His remarks immediately stirred up political a political storm, with the opposition demanding his sacking. BJP state president K Surendran termed Cherian's statement a "violation of oath of office and treason". 

"The Indian constitution is written in a way to plunder people", he said during the event. He further added that there exist some references like "secularism and democracy added in a few places but this is a constitution designed for looting." "I did not make any statement against the Constitution," Cheriyan said on Tuesday in a statement. "The news reports that I have made denigrating statements against the Constitution are distorted versions by the media. I was expressing the concern as a public servant that a large majority in the country are not getting the benefits of social justice. However, I express my regrets if my words through which I tried to state this feeling assertively were distorted and spread in a wrong manner."