Kerala Minister Saji Cheriyan slams Constitution; CPM says 'slip of tongue'

Kerala Minister Saji Cheriyan has courted controversy by harshly criticising the Constitution, saying it “condones exploitation” and is written in a way helping to “plunder” people of the country drawing flak from various quarters including the main opposition Congress.

He was speaking at a recent political programme at Mallappally in this southern district and the issue came to the light after visuals of the speech were aired by regional television channels on Tuesday.

“We all say that we have a beautifully written Constitution. But, I will say, the Constitution is written in such a way that it can be used to plunder the people of the country,” he said. Several people including Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly V D Satheesan hit out at the controversial remarks.

CPM rejects resignation demand

The central leadership of the CPI(M) on Tuesday rejected the Opposition demand for resignation of Saji Cheriyan over his harsh criticism of the Constitution, terming it just a slip of tongue.

CPI(M) politburo member M A Baby said an explanation was sought from the minister, who is also a member of the party Kerala state secretariat, and he has explained that no criticism was made against the Constitution.

It would have been just a slip of tongue, Baby said. The minister has said what he meant was the current socio-economic system prevailing in the country.

Cheriyan said he has said nothing adverse against the Constitution, Baby said. Saying that the minister’s remarks might have been misinterpreted, Baby, talking to Malayalam media persons in New Delhi, said there was no need to ask for his resignation on the basis of it.

(With Agency inputs)