Former Minister Saji Cherian, MLA, attempted to draw a line under the political controversy surrounding his allegedly "anti-Constitution" speech at Mallapally in Pathanamthitta in early July.
A three-minute video clip of his hour-long speech had gone viral, causing a public uproar and triggering anti-government protests. The alleged comment had cost Mr. Cherian his cabinet berth. It prompted the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party to demand his resignation as a legislator.
In a statement under rule 64 in the Assembly, Mr. Cherian sought to put the record straight. He said he was the victim of cherry-picking of facts and gross misinterpretation. He regretted having given room for opponents to unleash the propaganda.
