The controversy, which has shocked the cadres of the LDF and its supporters alike, erupted over the appointment of Industries Minister E P Jayarajan’s nephew to a top PSU post. Although the appointment has been cancelled following the prompt disapproval of the action by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the issue has caused enormous damage to the LDF Government’s reputation and credibility.

Eyebrows have also been raised over the appointment of Pinarayi’s close relative as Standing Counsel of the State Pollution Board. And KPCC chief V M Sudheeran has promptly sought a probe into the role of the Chief Minister as well in the controversial appointments to the PSUs.

As if all this was not enough, the Chief Minister has been pushed to the backfoot while denying any wrongdoing in the appointment of the personal staff of former health minister P K Sreemathy, now the MP from Kannur.

The issue will come up for discussion at the CPI(M)’s state secretariat on October 14. With the CM saying that it is a very serious issue, the secretariat is likely to act against Jayarajan, who has been completely isolated in the wake of the controversy. That no CPI(M) leader has rushed to the support of Jayarajan speaks for itself.

Adding to the pressure on Pinarayi to act is the criticism voiced by CPI(M) veteran V S Achuthanandan who has sought stern action against the culprits, adding that the row has tarnished the image of the government.

Besides, the CPI’s mouthpiece, Janayugom has also frowned upon the controversy. Nepotism amounts to corruption and no amount of explanation can undo the damage, the daily claimed, adding that levelling allegations against former UDF ministers won’t justify the wrongdoing on the part of the CPI(M) minister and leaders. However, the CPI leaders have not come out with any open statement on the controversy so far.

Besides action against Jayarajan, the secretariat will have no option but to cancel all the controversial appointments. True the appointments of PK Sudheer, Jeeva Anandan and Sooraj Ravindran, sons of Sreemathy, Anathalavattom Anandan and daughter of late EK Nayanar’s daughter, were made with the approval of the CPI(M) state secretariat, appointment of three other relatives of Jayarajan were made without the clearance from any party forum.

Understandably, a jubilant opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) has demanded immediate removal of Industries Minister Jayarajan. Kerala Pradesh Co9ngress Committee president V M Sudsheeran, leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala and former chief minister Oommen Chandy have piled on the pressure seeking Jayarajan’s removal from the Cabinet, on the ground that he had violated the oath he had taken while becoming a minister.

The ball is now in the court of the State secretariat of the CPI(M), which will have to take a decision on the issue. With the opposition having made it clear that mere censure or any other type of party action against Jayarajan won’t do, the pressure on the CPI(M) and the chief minister is enormous.

It goes without saying that failure to remove the Industries Minister and cancel the controversial appointments would provide the Opposition with a powerful weapon to belabor the government which put a premium on transparency and corruption-free governance.

Meanwhile, the Vigilance Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB), which has already received a letter from Ramesh Chennithala seeking a probe against Jayarajan, has sought legal advice on the matter. If the VACB decides to file an FIR or quick verification report against Jayarajan, the CM will be forced to drop the controversial minister from the Cabinet. (IPA Service)