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Cithara Paul
Cithara Paul

KERALA

Embarrassments are the new normal for Pinarayi govt

Pinarayi-Vijayan-profile Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan

In a huge setback, SC reinstates DGP removed by govt when it assumed office in May 2016

Looks like the stars are not in favour of Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan these days. For, his government is continuing its journey from one embarrassment to the next.

Barely days after the Munnar encroachment controversy where the government faced backlash following the CM's harsh comment against the district collector who pulled down a cross installed in an encroached land, the Supreme Court has now dealt a resounding blow to the government. 

On Monday, the apex court reinstated a top police officer T.P. Senkumar—who was removed as the state police chief by the CM immediately on assuming office on May 25, 2016.

The LDF government, contending his handling of certain cases were “totally unsatisfactory”, had replaced Senkumar with Lokanath Behera, considered close to the CPI(M). The new SC ruling will unseat Behera. 

Senkumar had approached the SC citing "political motives" behind his removal. "My performance is nine out of 10. I was in no way directly responsible for the two cases (Puttingal and Dalit student murder). If that is the case, 96 police officers were transferred by this government. Nine political murders occurred in the state. Will the chief minister, who is also the home minister, take responsibility? If not, why should the chief minister say I should take responsibility?"  Senkumar had argued in the court.

In a verdict, considered to be for the first time in history, the SC said Senkumar was “unfairly treated” by the state government. "On an overall consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case, we are of the opinion that Mr. Senkumar has been unfairly treated. We have no hesitation in setting aside the judgment and directing the reappointment of the petitioner," it held.

The verdict has already created political ripples in the state with the opposition demanding the resignation of the CM. “The Chief Minister has lost his moral right to continue office with the overturning of his government's decision by the apex court,” said opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala. 

Senkumar will assume his post with immediate effect and he will be in service till June 30, when he will retire. It is a major setback for the CM personally as he had criticised Senkumar on several occasions and had even accused him of having a soft spot of the BJP. 

Meanwhile, a colleague of Pinarayi—M.M. Mani, known best for foot in mouth syndrome—has created yet another headache for the CM by talking in innuendos against Pembilai Orumai, the women trade union movement that had created history in Munnar tea plantations area. 

A section of Pembilai Orumai are on a hunger strike in Munnar demanding an apology from Mani. All opposition parties have rallied with the Pembilai Orumai team, with the BJP even calling for a hartal demanding Mani's resignation. 

Even other ministers from the Pinarayi cabinet have criticised Mani, considered close to the CM. 

Meanwhile, the CPI(M) secretariat is meeting tomorrow amid all these controversies where the CM will have to give a lot of explanations. 

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