Nepotism row: Timeline of Pinarayi confidant EP Jayarajan's fall

E.P. Jayarajan. Onmanorama/File photo

The barely four-month-old Left Democratic Front government in Kerala faces its first litmus test in the form of a slew of nepotism charges. Following which, industries minister E.P. Jayarajan has resigned. This is how the controversy unfurled.

Oct. 5

» P.K. Sudheer Nambiar, son of former minister and CPM Lok Sabha MP P.K. Sreemathi, appointed managing director of state-run public sector undertaking Kerala State Industrial Enterprise (KSIE).

Sreemathi too may have to answer uneasy questions

» Sudheer Nambiar is the nephew of state industries minister E.P. Jayarajan, a CPM central committee member. KSIE functions under the industries department.

P.K. Sreemathi and Sudheer Nambiar

Oct 6

» The decision to appoint Nambiar canceled after it drew flak from opposition parties.

» They charged that Nambiar did not possess the qualification and experience required for the post.

» Jayarajan is also accused of facilitating the appointment of other relatives in his department.

Rule by kinship: How Jayarajan's niece landed a top govt job

» In a hard-hitting editorial in 'Janayugam', the CPI expresses its displeasure over the nepotism charges.

Deepthi Nishad and Kerala minister Jayarajan

Oct. 12

» Jayarajan's nephew's wife Deepthi Nishad resigns as general manager of Clays and Ceramics Products Ltd in Kannur as pressure mounts.

» CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan asks Jayarajan to submit a list of appointments that has taken place in his ministry.

» CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury says appropriate action would be taken.

Oct 13

» Vigilance top brass meets with legal advisers in Thiruvananthapuram.

» Vigilance director meets CM Pinarayi Vijayan.

» Jayarajan offers to quit, conveys his decision to party secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan

» Kodiyeri holds talks with CM Pinarayi

» CM and CPM favour Jayarajan's resignation

Nepotism row: probe likely to be announced today

» Jayarajan hands over resignation letter to chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Oct 14

» Crucial CPM meet held to decide on Jayarajan's fate

» Senior leaders flay Jayarajan

» Kerala industries minister EP Jayarajan resigns