Kerala Guv okays CPM's Saji Cherian's re-entry to cabinet; swearing-in today
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Saji Cherian (file photo)
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has accepted Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's recommendation to reinduct CPM legislator andn former minister Saji Cherian into the cabinet. The uncertainty that existed till Tuesday morning regarding the swearing-in ended with a phone conversation between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Governor.
However, the Governor apparently took a cautious line of disclaiming his responsibility in the event of any setback from the legal angle and put the responsibility for such an eventuality on the Chief Minister. This was conveyed to Pinarayi Vijayan during the phone conversation.
The Governor, arguably for public consumption, made it clear that he was was only performing his constitutional duty.
Saji Cherian was forced to resign in July last year following the controversy over his remarks against the constitution. The speech was widely criticised for being derogatory of the Constitution. However, the state police investigated the case and reached the conclusion that there was no grounds for criminal case in the comments. Despite that, the Opposition has made a move to incriminate Cherian for the comments and that would pose a legal challenge to his re-entry. What position the court would take in the case, therefore is crucial.
There was uncertainty about the Governor's stand till Tuesday morning and lasted till the air was cleared with the CM-Governor phone call. The suspense had cast a shadow over the LDF government's decision to hold the swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday evening. He told the Chief Minister over the phone that whatever setback there may be in the future, the responsibility will be on the Chief Minister and the government. The Governor publicly said that he was only performing his constitutional duty.
Although the oath has been approved, the Governor will clarify further on the basis of legal advice. It is reported that the Governor asked many questions to the Chief Minister, including whether it is appropriate to administer the oath as there is a case in the court. The Chief Minister replied that there was no legal obstacle in making Saji Cherian a minister, that the police report was favourable and he has received clear legal advice in this regard.
The governor's reported assessment is that it is unusual that he had to resign for criticizing the constitution.
Meanwhile the UDF Opposition, who were vociferous in demanding his resignation, have informed that they would boycott Wednesday's swearing-in ceremony.
