Thodupuzha: Devikulam MLA S Rajendran, who landed in soup after he publicly insulted an IAS officer last week, was censured by his party, the CPM. The Idukki district leadership of the ruling party has also asked the legislator to desist from making anymore public comments on the matter.
Even party state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan condemned Rajendran's insults and stood by Devikulam sub-collector Renu Raj, saying that the officer did nothing wrong in stopping unauthorised construction near Munnar.
Renu Raj and her team of revenue officials were trying to halt the construction of an industrial centre by Muthirapuzha River when Rajendran and a few other local leaders objected to the official action. The MLA was heard claiming that the sub-collector had no authority to issue a stop memo to a project carried out by the panchayat.
He even showered disparaging remarks on the woman officer. “She has no brains.... People who studied only to be a collector can't have more. Building rules are implemented by the panchayat. She has no right to interfere. She should be sued. This is a democratic country. What can you do if she refuses to listen to people's representatives,” Rajendran said.
He later expressed regret at his outbursts after his own party colleagues refused to stand by him. The party state secretary said that the government intends to bring in special legislation for Munnar.
The Kerala High Court Wednesday stayed the construction of the unauthorised building at Munnar.
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