Kerala Sports minister E P Jayarajan, who had locked horns with Olympian Anju Bobby George, on Wednesday expressed "happiness" over her resignation as the state Sports Council president.
The minister had courted controversy earlier this month after Anju alleged that she was "insulted" by him after she levelled corruption charges against her.
"Very happy that she resigned. Good," the minister said here in a sarcastic manner when reporters sought his reaction over the iconic long jumpers' exit from the council.
The minister said he came to know about her resignation only through media.
"I have never asked her to resign or tried to oust her.
And also never asked (anybody) to remove her from the post," he said, adding that Anju had resigned as media brought out the "corruption" happening in the Council.
However, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declined to comment over the development.
Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress lashed out at the CPI(M)-led LDF government over Anju's resignation.
KPCC president V M Sudheeran said Anju was a victim of the "intolerance" of the LDF government.
Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala and former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy also slammed the government over the iconic long jumper's resignation.
When asked about the opposition charge that Anju was the victim of "intolerance" of the government, Vijayan said, "You should ask about this to Anju."