Kerala Transport Minister K. B. Ganesh Kumar stated that he will not resign amidst the controversy sparked by his wife’s allegations, mentioning that the media had exaggerated the issue. He clarified that his wife no longer had any complaints, indicating a resolution within the family. The Minister had a discussion with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to explain his stance amid the escalating situation.
The government treated the complaint as a personal family matter, but it has led to strong political reactions and raised doubts about the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s credibility. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan called the allegations serious and demanded the Minister’s removal from the Cabinet. He emphasized the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) consistent support for women’s safety and public morality.
Senior Congress leader K. Muraleedharan urged Vijayan to address the alleged double standards of the CPI-M regarding morality in politics and women’s safety. The controversy arose after the Minister’s wife reportedly called the helpline number 112, alleging domestic assault. Despite police presence, no action was taken as it was deemed a domestic issue.
The opposition is expected to highlight this issue during the election campaign, questioning the government’s handling of the Minister’s case. They pointed out the swift response in rape cases involving Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, leading to his expulsion. SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan criticized Ganesh Kumar, stating that his actions tarnished the government’s image.
He emphasized that the complaint withdrawal did not resolve the matter and called on the Chief Minister to take decisive action. Reports suggest internal discontent within the ruling front, including the Communist Party of India, regarding Ganesh Kumar’s continuation as a Minister. Social media and TV channels are abuzz with discussions on Vijayan’s past criticism of Ganesh Kumar in 2013.
