Thiruvananthapuram: The stance taken against corruption ended up in my resignation as Industries Minister, said CPM leader E P Jayarajan.
“My standpoints irked certain persons. They stirred up controversies which ended up in my resignation,” he said in the explanation given at the State Assembly here on Monday.
“I assumed charge as minister when the industries sector was facing a crisis. Instances of corruption and misspending are rampant in the public sector undertakings. Even there were attempt to hijack such institutions,” he said.
“Attempts were made to influence me. However, my unwillingness to relent forced them to turn against me,” he said.
“Accordingly, certain mafias fabricated stories against me and I was being hunted by the media for two weeks. I worked for the benefit of the country,” Jayarajan said.
“You were longing for my blood. If needed, I will donate it,” he told the opposition.
“ I am not thinking like you. All the media are trying to protect those who want to destroy Kerala and its industries. Did the visual media report any news for the past two weeks? Let those who think, analyse this. Has such a thing happened in the history of the state?” Jayarajan asked.
In an explanation in a post on his Facebook page after submitting resignation, Jayarajan had alleged that those annoyed over his initiatives for the growth of the industrial sector and also the development of the state acted against him.
He also told the Assembly that the appointments in the department were made in accordance with the existing rules.
“Norms were followed and Vigilance inquiries were carried out. I stepped down as minister not because of political reasons but to underline my political legitimacy,” he added.