A day after heaping calumny on the Indian Constitution, Kerala Minister Saji Cherian resigned from the cabinet on Wednesday evening.
His Sunday’s speech describing the Indian Constitution “as a best means to exploit and cheat the poor millions in the country” had led to widespread protests. Vociferous demands surfaced on Tuesday from several quarters, including the BJP and the Congress, for his resignation.
Governor Arif Mohammed Khan had told the media on Tuesday that he was sure the leader of the Government (Chief Minister) would take notice of the speech made by the Minister as the Constitution was an expression of national faith.
On Wednesday evening, Cherian had an hour-long meeting with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and later told the media that he was resigning. “My continuation as minister may come in the way of a free and fair probe and hence I am quitting. I have submitted my resignation to the Chief Minister,” said Cherian.
Minutes before the announcement of his resignation, the Thiruvalla Magistrate had ordered the Pathanamthitta Police to file a case against Cherian.
Cherian’s resignation is unlikely to bring down the public anger against him as Leader of the Opposition VD Satheeshan demanded his disqualification as member of the Legislative Assembly.