Political storms that rocked Kerala
Year 2013 saw the ruling coalition score victories amidst some tough challenges from within and outside.
Year 2013 saw the ruling coalition score victories amidst some tough challenges from within and outside.
Ganesh resigns
Ganesh Kumar's wife Yamini calls a press conference speaking about the extra marital relations of her husband and alleges domestic violence. She files a complaint with Museum police station on April 1, following which Minister is forced to resign. They separate legally on October 23,2013.
Solar upheaval
Saritha S Nair's arrest in solar scam creates a major upheaval in Kerala politics. Involvement of CM's personal staff brings Ommen Chandy under the scanner with Opposition launching sate wide agitation demanding his resignation. CM's former staff members arrested, government orders probe by retired judge.
Thettayil scandal
Former Minister Jose Thettayil lands in a controversy with a woman alleging that she was sexually exploited by the MLA and his son. The 30-year-old woman alleged that the 62 year old MLA reneged on a promise that his son would marry her. Both father and son were booked under IPC 376 sexual offence.
Pinarayi acquitted
CBI court dismisses charges against Pinarayi Vijayan in SNC Lavalin graft case. While the verdict paved the way for the return of CPM strongman to the parliamentary politics after a gap of 15 years, it also came as a major setback for V S Achuthanandan who was in the forefront of the campaign on Lavalin case.
Kasturi report
Centre's decision to implement Kasturirangan report provoked unrest. An all day LDF lead hartal in Idukki and Wayanad on Nov 16 saw a mob set the Thamarassery forest range office on fire. Idukki, Thamarassery dioceses of Syro Malabar church offered support to the hartal on Nov 17. K M Mani, too, openly declared his support.
George unleashed
Chief Whip P.C. George creates controversy by flagging off Modi's Unity Run in Kottayam. Oommen Chandy, Ramesh Chennithala criticize George, but Kerala Congress supremo K M Mani backs him. George was at the centre of major controversies starting from Ganesh Kumar issue and has been involved in face offs with other Congress leaders.