Transport Minister Thomas Chandy from the CPI(M) Left Democratic Front (LDF) Cabinet in Kerala resigned. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader has been accused of land related violations.
For the past few months, Chandy is being accused of the encroachment of the backwaters in Alappuzha district. The allegations against Chandy were confirmed by the Alappuzha District Collector. Chandy attempted to challenge the District Collector’s report with a petition to the Kerala High Court. But the High Court immediately refused it and questioned Chandy for filing a petition against the government. Chandy has now moved the Supreme Court with the same petition. The Supreme Court is yet to release a statement on the matter.
The Minister handed his resignation on Wednesday to State President T. P. Peethambaran Master. Chandy is the third LDF Minister to resign in the recent few months. Industries Minister and CPI(M) Central Committee member E.P. Jayarajan quit his position after nepotism charges were placed against him. Chandy’s party colleague A. K. Saseendran also quit after a female journalist accused him of harassment.
Mr. Chandy explained he quit after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan adviced him to withdraw from his post. The NCP reported Chandy would temporarily stay out of the cabinet meetings. They further added Chandy would receive his position back once a positive order is passed by the Supreme Court.
