LDF candidate S. Jayamohan steps down as KSCDC chairman citing political morality

LDF candidate S. Jayamohan resigns as KSCDC chairman, prioritizing political morality and transparency during the election campaign.

S. Jayamohan, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate for the Kollam Assembly constituency, has officially stepped down from his position as the chairperson of Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC).

Announcing his resignation during a press conference held at the Kollam Corporation headquarters on Wednesday, Mr. Jayamohan said that his decision was guided by a strong sense of political morality. “While government guidelines only mandate that those in power should not misuse their positions during elections, I chose to resign so that the campaign remains beyond the shadow of any potential criticism,” said Mr. Jayamohan who submitted his resignation following a Board of Directors meeting and after obtaining formal clearance from his party.

Reflecting on his decade-long tenure, the outgoing chairperson described the period as an era dedicated to the welfare of cashew workers. He noted that the administration succeeded in eliminating corruption and allegations that historically plagued the sector. “A key milestone was the establishment of the Cashew Board to ensure transparency in raw nut procurement, overseen by an IAS officer,” he added. When he took charge, factories had been shuttered for 17 months. Later, not only were they reopened, but bank liabilities and long-standing tax arrears were cleared.

The Corporation also saw significant social and infrastructural growth during the last decade. Approximately 6,000 new workers were recruited, and a compassionate appointment scheme was implemented.

Mr Jayamohan also pointed out that providing free entrance coaching led to 16 children of cashew workers securing MBBS admissions, a change he considers as a major feat of his term. “The Cashew Conclave organised in Kollam also provided a new direction for the modernisation and global marketing of the industry,” he said. Following the press conference, KSCDC managing director Sunil John K. presented a memento to the departing chairperson, while workers’ representatives Sreeraj and Sunilkumar handed over the security deposit required for his candidacy.