Kerala Higher Education Minister KT Jaleel resigns after Lokayukta finds him guilty of nepotism
A division bench of the Lokayukta had on Friday submitted the report against Jaleel to the Chief Minister and had said the minister should not continue in the post.
FollowThiruvananthapuram: Higher Education Minister KT Jaleel, who had landed the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in deep trouble over alleged nepotism in a key appointment in the Kerala State Minorities Finance Development Corporation, has resigned finally.
Under fire from the Opposition and facing pressure even from within the CPM over the past few days, he handed over the resignation letter to Governor Arif Mohammed Khan here on Tuesday.
The resignation comes a day after he moved the Kerala High Court seeking a stay on the Lokayukta order.
A division bench of the Lokayukta had on Friday submitted the report against Jaleel to the Chief Minister and had said the minister should not continue in the post.
Lok Ayukta said Jaleel's action amounted to "abuse of power, favouritism, nepotism and violation of oath of office". It said Mr. Jaleel had displayed a "lack of integrity" as Minister by tailoring the job qualification to meet his relative's academic credentials.
"He (Jaleel) should not continue as a member of the Council of Minister", the Lokayukta said in its order.
As per the reports, Jaleel had changed the qualification for the post of general manager in the corporation with the knowledge of the Chief Minister. Following this, the ruling front was under pressure to take action against him. Earlier, Industries Minister EP Jayarajan had resigned from his post after allegations of nepotism in key appointments to public sector units in 2016.
Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala said Jaleel had no recourse but to resign. There was nothing ethical in his action. It smacked of desperation and helplessness, he said.
