The Hindu : Front Page : Parties seek Valsaraj’s resignation

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Friday, Feb 22, 2008
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Parties seek Valsaraj’s resignation

Staff Reporter

PUDUCHERRY: Addressing separate press conferences on Thursday, leaders of the Communist Party of India (CPI), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded the resignation of Health Minister E. Valsaraj, following an allegation of his involvement in a land deal. They urged the Chief Minister to take action if the Minister refused to quit.

National council member of the CPI R. Viswanathan said the party demanded the immediate resignation of Mr. Valsaraj. “He represents a Constitutional authority and should voluntarily resign from his post,” he added.

The resignation would pave way for a free and fair investigation. “If the Minister does not quit, then we will launch a public campaign, he said. Comparing the situation to that of Kerala, he said two Ministers in the then C.Achutha Menon’s government M.N.Govindan Nair and T.V.Thomas had resigned as soon as charges were levelled against them, to facilitate a free and fair probe. Mr.Valsaraj also could be re-inducted if he was absolved of the charges, he said.

Similarly, president of the Puducherry unit of BSP Thanga. Kalaimaran said his party would launch a series of protest if Mr.Valsaraj was not sacked immediately.

“We will stage a dharna in front of the Raj Nivas and Chief Minister’s office. The party also urged the government to disclose the details of funds spent through the Health Department, he said.

“There is prima facie evidence against Mr. Valsaraj in this case. He should resign and face the charges or else the Chief Minister should dismiss him,” the BJP unit president M. Visweswaran said.

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