Kochi: After reports emerged that CPM has asked its Kunnathunadu MLA to step down from the Ernakulam District Sports Council, P V Srinijin on Friday claimed that he had requested the party to relieve him from the duty. 

The MLA asserted that he would resign from the DSC president's post once the party informs him of its decision officially.

CPM's Ernakulam district committee of the party decided to remove the MLA from DSC on Friday. Sources said the panel decided after district committee members opined that there was no need to give additional charges to the MLA. CPM state secretary M V Govindan said the DSC post should not hinder Srinijin from his responsibilities as a public representative.

 

The controversy

A controversy broke out after Srinijin asked authorities to lock the gates of the Sports Academy ground in Panampilly Nagar where aspiring footballers had gathered to take part in Under-17 trials conducted by Kerala Blasters on May 22. He claimed the ISL club had failed to pay Rs 8 lakh in rent for the past eight months.

When youngsters were forced to wait for hours outside the gates, their parents began to protest. After Manorama News aired their protest, Sports Minister V Abdurahiman intervened and directed the Kochi Corporation councillors to act immediately. They rushed to the spot and opened the gate.

The Kerala Blasters refuted the MLA's charges and said it had remitted the rent on time. The club also pointed out that it had signed an agreement with the State Sports Council for using the ground for trials. The MLA's move backfired when Kerala State Sports Council (KSSC) president U Sharaf Ali also asserted that Kerala Blasters FC settled all dues.

The State Sports Council, on its part, questioned the MLA's decision to lock the gates when all relevant papers have been signed.

Responding to the controversy, Srinijin criticised the State Sports Council for not informing him or the district sports council of the agreement with the Kerala Blasters.