Saji Cherian (file photo)
Saji Cherian, Kerala Minister for Fisheries, Harbour Engineering, Culture, and Youth Affairs, has sparked controversy for his remarks about the Indian Constitution. He was seen in a video saying that the Constitution has been written in such a manner to exploit the people.
He said exploitation has existed right from the beginning of mankind. Now, the situation shows the rich conquering the world. He added that it is quite natural that the government machinery will be favouring this process.
"We all say that we have a beautifully written Constitution. But, I say the Constitution of India has been written in such a manner to loot the maximum number of people," said Cherian. He further implied that it is due to a system that was developed during the British Raj.
Cherian said the Constitution is something the British prepared and Indians penned down. "After implementing it for the past 75 years, I would say it is a beautiful Constitution for plundering the people."
The minister added there are traces of a few good things like democracy and secularism in the Constitution. "But, it aims to exploit the common man".
He elaborated the statement by saying India is a country where agitation of workers is not recognised. "The Adanis and Ambanis in the country are protected by the Constitution. Millionaires have emerged powerful in the country at the cost of underpaid workers.". He asked how many of us can stage an agitation against them.
He was talking at an event in Mallappally in Pathanamthitta. The video was aired by several television channels on Tuesday.
After his statements triggered a row in the state, the Opposition demanded the minister's resignation. The CPI(M) leadership rejected the demand and said Cherian's statements were "just a slip of tongue".
CPI(M) politburo member M A Baby said no criticism was made against the Constitution, and the party has sought an explanation from Cherian. He further explained that the minister was commenting on the current socio-economic system.