In his first reaction to the ongoing controversy, CPI (M) veteran VS Achuthanandan criticised Industries Minister EP Jayarajan for appointing his nephew to a top position in a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU).
Responding to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, VS, who is also the Chairman of Administrative Reforms Commission, did not call out the minister by name but did demand a detailed inquiry into the matter.
He demanded stringent action to be taken against those responsible and added that this controversy has affected the reputation of the government.
A Government Order (GO) appointing Sudheer Nambiar as the Managing Director of KSIE was issued by the ministry on October 1. As Sudheer is the son of CPI (M) MP PK Sreemathy and EP Jayarajan’s nephew, the appointment was criticised by the opposition. The opposition accused the minister of nepotism, while many from within the party had also accused the minister of tarnishing the government’s and the party’s image alike.
After the controversy erupted on Thursday, the ministry clarified in a press release that the appointment had been cancelled on Monday. The release also stated that the decision to cancel the appointment of Sudheer, who is a degree holder and the Executive Director of a reputed company, was taken after Sudheer had asked for time to assume office.
Meanwhile, the Vigilance has decided to begin preliminary inquiry into the matter, based on a complaint filed by the Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala.
Chennithala had on Saturday written to Vigilance Director Jacob Thomas accusing the minister of misusing his power. The Opposition also demanded the minister's resignation.
Reports suggests that the Vigilance Director is set to meet Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to convey the necessity of carrying out a probe.