“I did not cling on to the ministerial post when the opposition levelled the allegations. I resigned to uphold not only my personal morality, but also that of the party,” said Saji Cherian.

He was reacting to the decision of the CPM state secretariat to reinstate Cherian in the cabinet. He had resigned in July this year following his speech at an event in Pathanamthitta that was widely criticised for comments on the Indian Constitution.

“When the opposition gave its opinion, the party left the matter for the court to decide. If the opposition still has any issues, they can move ahead,” opined Cherian, who was given a clean chit by the party after the Kerala High Court dismissed two pleas requesting his dismissal as MLA.

“The party considered reinstating me in the cabinet. Now, it is the chief minister who should make the call,” he said.

“The opposition had alleged that I had made anti-constitutional remarks. However, the court clearly said otherwise. Now, there is no legal obstacle for me to become a minister,” added Cherian.

The former minister also said that he has high respect for the constitution and strives to protect it.

When asked whether there was any conspiracy behind the release of his controversial speech video, the leader replied in the negative.

Though Cheriyan had resigned from his position as minister, no other person was appointed to fill his vacancy later.