Just days after Kerala Industries minister EP Jayarajan was accused of nepotism for appointing his nephew as the Managing Director of Kerala State Industrial Enterprises Limited (KSIE), the state Opposition has now demanded a vigilance inquiry into the matter.
According to reports, state Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala submitted a letter to the Vigilance Director on Saturday demanding a probe into the appointment of Sudheer Nambiar. A government order appointing Sudheer was issued on October 1.
Following criticism from various quarters and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan feigning ignorance in the whole matter, the industries ministry on Thursday issued a note announcing that Sudheer's appointment had been cancelled on Monday itself.
Sudheer is the son of veteran leader PK Sreemathy, the CPI(M) MP from Kannur.
Terming the appointment as a ‘corrupt’ move by the minister, both Chennithala and Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president VM Sudheeran demanded the resignation of the minister in this regard.
Sudheeran went on to accuse the minister of violating his oath of office by appointing his relative who lacks even the requisite qualification.
Saying that the party does not generally involve itself with appointments in Public Sector Enterprises (PSE), CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has assured that the matter will be looked into.
Allegations of nepotism would hold true only if a politician appoints his/her children in key positions, he said. Being connected to the party otherwise does not make a qualified person ineligible for any such appointment, Kodiyeri however maintained.
The party is reportedly set to discuss the matter at the State Secretariat scheduled to be held on October 14.
Meanwhile, the controversial decision has raked up disapproval not only among the opposition parties, but also within the ranks of the CPI(M). Reports say that many within the party itself feel that appointing relatives in PSEs will not only affect the credibility of the LDF government, but also the party.
CPI (M) Kannur cadre is also reported to have raised objections in the matter saying that Sudheer was not even associated with party activities.