Hectic parleys continued throughout the day, Wednesday, in Kerala's Congress party and the ruling UDF coalition it was heading to find out some way to get out of the shame and crisis they had fallen into following the allegation of immoral behavior against Forest Minister KB Ganesh Kumar of the Kerala Congress (B), a minor constituent of the front.
Reports indicated that Ganesh might tender his resignation to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Thursday but several constituents wanted to avoid such a development. The crisis deepened with Ganesh's wife Yamini Thankachi meeting the Chief Minister reportedly to complain formally about his atrocities towards her. "There is no reason for me to resign. Why should I resignIJ I will do whatever the Chief Minister tells me to do," Ganesh told newsmen on Wednesday evening, rejecting reports that he had already submitted his resignation as Minister and MlA to Chandy. However, sources said that Ganesh's resignation could be expected after a scheduled meeting of the UDF on Thursday.
A newspaper report published on Sunday last had said that a Minister had been manhandled at his official residence recently by the husband of his secret lover, who was residing nearby. On the same day, Government Chief Whip PC George told newsmen that the Minister mentioned in the newspaper report was none other than Ganesh Kumar.
Even if Ganesh resigns, top UDF leaders including the Chief Minister do not want it to be known as a result of his illicit relationship because of the shame it has already brought to the Government and the coalition. But the Minister himself is allegedly remaining firm that it would be the only reason if he resigns and that he would relinquish his MlA post as well.
Sources say that UDF cannot afford yet another sex-related scandal when it is reeling under the allegations against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien in relation to the Suryanelli serial rape. Also, Industries Minister PK Kunhalikutty of the Muslim league, Congress's largest ally in Kerala, is still facing allegations of involvement in the ice cream parlour sex abuse scandal.
"The UDF is divided over whether Ganesh Kumar should resign on this issue," said a top Congress leader. "There is a section which argues that action should be taken against George for taking the issue this far if Ganesh should be asked to resign. The UDF meeting (on Thursday) will have to find a final settlement to this," he said.
As hectic discussions continued on Wednesday evening, more leaders and UDF partners came out in support of Ganesh. The Muslim league, Socialist Janata (Democratic) and the RSP(B) warned that UDF would have to face dire consequences if Ganesh was forced to resign under the pressure exerted by George, a known enemy of the Forest Minister.