Controversial speech: Minister Saji Cheriyan expresses regret


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Saji Cheriyan | Photo: facebook.com/sajicherian

Thiruvananthapuram: Amid the controversy over the speech on the Indian constitution, minister Saji Cheriyan has given an explanation in the assembly and expressed his regret. Addressing the assembly here on Tuesday, the minister stated that his words were misinterpreted by the media.

“ I would like to express my regret if my words during the speech were misinterpreted and unintentional matters were circulated,” said the minister.

Meanwhile, the opposition staged a walkout from the assembly as boycotting Saji Cheriyan’s statement.

“ The news reports claiming that I had criticised the Indian Constitution during a function in Mallappally are mere misinterpretation of my words. Being a politician, I respect our constitution and uphold its values. The political party in which I belong is also in the forefront to protect the values of the constitution,” said Cheriyan.

“The Directive Principles of State Policy in the constitution recommends ensuring social justice and financial security to all. But the constitution didn’t include any directions on approaching the court to implement Directive Principles of State policy. I think the Directive Principles of State Policy should be strengthened to serve justice to the crores of exploited classes in our country. If we didn’t take initiative for it, the constitution will not be able to defend the inequalities in the country. I just expressed my anxiety over this matter while addressing the event. I didn’t mean to insult the constitution or raise a voice against it,” declared the minister.

The vision of the Constitution makers was not fulfilled in India because of the anti-democratic policies of the political parties who ruled the country to date. Being a political activist, I just pointed out the social justice denied to the public even 75 years after independence. If my words were misinterpreted and unintentional matters were circulated when I presented these facts, I would like to express my deep regret,” added the minister.

Cheriyan, while addressing a party function in Pathanamthitta district, had harshly criticised the Constitution, saying it "condones exploitation" and is written in a way helping to "plunder" the people of the country, drawing sharp reaction from the opposition which sought for his immediate removal from the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF cabinet.

(with inputs from agencies)

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