Growing clamour for MLA’s resignation

LDF to take out rally to Secretariat on Monday

M. Vincent

With the arrest of Kovalam MLA M. Vincent for alleged rape, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) is clamouring for the legislator’s resignation. The coalition will take out a rally to the Secretariat on Monday (July 24) to demand his stepping down.

At a press conference called to demand Mr. Vincent’s arrest, CPI(M) district secretary Anavoor Nagappan said the legislator had lost his moral right to continue in office.

“He has misused his position of authority by betraying public trust and subjecting the victim to physical and mental harassment for long. The issue is a blot on our collective consciousness and can no longer be ignored,” he said.

He alleged that the legislator had tried to hush up the case. “He had told the victim’s brother that he would commit suicide if the complaint was not withdrawn. It is likely that he would attempt to influence the case. Every possible effort must be made to ensure justice for the victim who was pushed to attempt suicide,” Mr. Nagappan said.

‘Not an isolated case’

CPI(M) leader V. Sivankutty alleged that the particular case must not been seen as an isolated incident with many women in the Kovalam constituency raising similar allegations. He called for bringing such ‘revelations’ under the purview of the ongoing probe.

The district committee of the LDF also asked the Congress leaders to clarify their stance on the case.

KPCC draws flak

“Despite claiming to be a party that stood for women security and empowerment, their members have scant regard for women. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president M.M. Hassan’s statement that the party will decide on its future course of action only after the findings of the probe are known stand testimony to their position,” they said.

AIYF demand

The All India Youth Federation (AIYF) has also demanded Mr. Vincent’s resignation.

The MLA has been booked on non-bailable charges. He must take the moral responsibility and resign at the earliest.

The Congress, which had always spoken on the importance of upholding political propriety, must direct the legislator to step down from the position and initiate appropriate action against him, the organisation said in a statement.