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Thiruvananthapuram: CPM MLA Saji Cheriyan expressed happiness over his re-induction to the state cabinet. He asserted that he was not concerned about the governor’s decision on his re-entry as minister. He will take oath as minister in Kerala on Wednesday at 4 pm.
“I’m not bothered about anything in my life. The political leadership will disclose further matters,” said Saji Cheriyan.
Neither the party nor the government sources disclosed any information on the portfolios which will be assigned to Saji Cheriyan.
At the same time, he repeated that he never made any remark against the constitution of India.
“ I never uttered a word which is anti-constitutional or illegal. Both complaints against my controversial statements are settled now. I had decided to resign from the post of minister for protecting the interests of the government and my party,” he pointed out.
Cheriyan further said that the Kerala High Court on December 8, 2022 had dismissed two pleas seeking a declaration that he was not entitled to hold the office of MLA in view of his speech.
A division bench of the High Court headed by Chief Justice S Manikumar had held that no provision could be found in the Representation of People Act, 1951 to disqualify the Left legislator.
Referring to the verdict, Cheriyan said it proves that he committed no illegality and therefore, he can continue as MLA. "Then, why cannot an MLA become a minister?" he asked.
He also claimed that there are no pending cases against him in any court in the state.
The CPM leader had resigned in July last year from the state Cabinet over his alleged remarks against the Constitution during a speech in Pathanamthitta district and the lodging of a criminal case against him in that connection.
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