Kerala minister Saji Cherian resigns facing flak over anti-Constitution remarks
India Today
The CPIM leader had claimed that the Constitution’s “aim is to exploit the common man”.
Saji Cherian, the Kerala Fisheries and Culture Minister, resigned today, a day after courting controversy with his remarks on the Constitution. The CPIM leader had claimed that the Constitution’s “aim is to exploit the common man”. His resignation came after the CPIM central leadership interfered and asked him to step down.
“We all say that India has a beautifully written Constitution. But, I would say that the Constitution is written to rob most people of India. An Indian wrote a Constitution which was prepared by the British. It has been practiced in this country for 75 years,” Cherian said while addressing a party programme in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district.
“Though there are traces of a few good things such as democracy and secularism in the Constitution, its aim is to exploit the common man,” he added.
“India is a country that does not accept labour protests. If anyone asks for wages, they are beaten up. India has one of the most accepted Constitutions for exploitation,” Cherian alleged as he stressed that workers’ rights are not protected in the country.
“The poor man is exploited by using the surplus value obtained from his labour. Is the Constitution of this country protecting labourers when they work from 8-20 hours?” he asked.
The statements sparked a massive controversy with Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan seeking an explanation from the Left leader. Khan sought a video of the controversial statement from the Kerala Chief Secretary, stating that he would check whether the minister's statements violated the Constitution and subsequently submit a report to the President.
The Congress, in opposition, demanded Cherian's resignation and warned of legal action if he refused.
