The barely four-month-old Left Democratic Front government in Kerala faces its first litmus test in the form of a slew of nepotism charges. Following which, industries minister E.P. Jayarajan has resigned. This is how the controversy unfurled.
Oct. 5
» P.K. Sudheer Nambiar, son of former minister and CPM Lok Sabha MP P.K. Sreemathi, appointed managing director of state-run public sector undertaking Kerala State Industrial Enterprise (KSIE).
Sreemathi too may have to answer uneasy questions
» Sudheer Nambiar is the nephew of state industries minister E.P. Jayarajan, a CPM central committee member. KSIE functions under the industries department.
Oct 6
» The decision to appoint Nambiar canceled after it drew flak from opposition parties.
» They charged that Nambiar did not possess the qualification and experience required for the post.
» Jayarajan is also accused of facilitating the appointment of other relatives in his department.
Rule by kinship: How Jayarajan's niece landed a top govt job
» In a hard-hitting editorial in 'Janayugam', the CPI expresses its displeasure over the nepotism charges.
Oct. 12
» Jayarajan's nephew's wife Deepthi Nishad resigns as general manager of Clays and Ceramics Products Ltd in Kannur as pressure mounts.
» CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan asks Jayarajan to submit a list of appointments that has taken place in his ministry.
» CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury says appropriate action would be taken.
Oct 13
» Vigilance top brass meets with legal advisers in Thiruvananthapuram.
» Vigilance director meets CM Pinarayi Vijayan.
» Jayarajan offers to quit, conveys his decision to party secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan
» Kodiyeri holds talks with CM Pinarayi
» CM and CPM favour Jayarajan's resignation
Nepotism row: probe likely to be announced today
» Jayarajan hands over resignation letter to chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Oct 14
» Crucial CPM meet held to decide on Jayarajan's fate
» Senior leaders flay Jayarajan
» Kerala industries minister EP Jayarajan resigns