CPI-M Kerala wing meeting to discuss nepotism charges against E P Jayarajan

The Communist Party of India (Marxist), Kerala wing meeting in underway on Friday at the state capital. They will discuss the nepotism charges against Industries Minister EP Jayarajan.

The second-largest party in Kerala's ruling alliance has criticized alleged nepotism in appointments at companies run by the state government.

E.P. Jayarajan, Kerala's Minister for Sports and Industries, had appointed a close relative as managing director of a public sector company. Following criticism over the appointment, the company revoked the hiring, citing reasons unrelated to the controversy. Jayarajan is a senior leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPM, which leads the alliance.

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) in Kerala has ordered a quick verification against State industries Minister E P Jayarajan who is facing charges of nepotism.

Vigilance Director Jacob Thomas issued the order on Thursday.

Jacob Thomas issued the order after legal experts discussed the matter with him twice at the agency's headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has remained tight-lipped on the controversial appointment so far, except telling television reporters on Sunday evening that "this is a serious issue and an appropriate decision would be taken soon".