THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even after compromise talks between Kerala Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar and his wife Bindu Menon, Congress leaders continue to demand the minister's resignation following infidelity accusations against him.
Amidst protests against the minister across the state, Ganesh attended the cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning.
Noting that the UDF had ousted Ganesh Kumar when similar allegations surfaced, KPCC president Sunny Joseph said that the Left is trying to protect him when a new allegation popped up.
"Nobody is against the issue getting resolved. But it is a government which has been boasting about political morality. Does the CPM and Chief Minister wish to solve issues like this through a settlement?" he asked.
Sunny Joseph also added that the negligence reveals the government's betrayal of the people.
Confirming that the Congress will continue its protests against the minister taking due consideration of the gravity of the complaint, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said that beyond a matter of righteousness, the concern is illegal.
"The Chief Minister refrained from taking any action on the issue even after 48 hours of being informed about the complaint. He should stop playing this hide-and-seek game," Ramesh said.
Senior leader K Muraleedharan criticised the Left's discussions to field him as a candidate in Pathanapuram even amidst the new row.
"Despite spending crores of rupees for PR activities of 'Women Safety' claims, the government cannot even protect a minister's wife in her residence. People should think if they need a system that protects people who don't even follow the basic manners one should have in their life," he said.
While speaking with the press, he also pointed out that former Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil was ousted from the party even before he was found guilty of sexual misconduct allegations.
Adding to the current concerns, the government's much-debated ally and SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Nadeshan said that Ganesh Kumar's actions can tarnish the reputation of the government, which is otherwise functioning in a good manner.
"One should maintain some personal quality as a minister. But beyond a minister's position, such acts should never be done by a human being in the Indian culture. I hope the CM takes a proper decision which would be a befitting reply to all the discussions that are taking place now," he said.
However, Vellappally refrained from making any comments on the minister's resignation.