Thiruvananthapuram, 25 May (H.S.): Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Sunday strongly defended the appointment of former Kerala Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Rathan U. Kelkar as his secretary, rejecting Opposition allegations of political impropriety and urging parties to focus on constructive criticism instead of creating controversy.

Addressing the issue during a media interaction marked by an informal and engaging style, Satheesan dismissed accusations that the appointment reflected political double standards by the Congress-led government. The controversy emerged after Opposition parties questioned the decision, alleging that the Congress was contradicting its own earlier criticism of similar appointments involving former election officials in BJP-ruled states, particularly West Bengal.

Responding to the allegations, Satheesan said the comparison with West Bengal was misplaced and lacked merit. He noted that in West Bengal, several parties, including the Trinamool Congress, Congress and CPM, had raised serious concerns regarding the conduct of the Chief Electoral Officer during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, including allegations that voters were removed from electoral lists.

“In Kerala, no such allegation was ever raised against Kelkar,” Satheesan said. He pointed out that while political parties had raised routine election-related complaints, nobody had accused Kelkar of manipulating election outcomes.

Questioning the basis of the criticism, Satheesan remarked sarcastically, “Did Kelkar make us win 102 seats? What kind of argument is that?”

The Chief Minister also reminded critics that Kelkar’s name had originally been included in the panel for appointment as Chief Electoral Officer by the previous Left government itself. He said the appointment process for a CEO was an administrative one carried out by the Election Commission from a list provided by the state government.

Satheesan further highlighted Kelkar’s administrative experience, noting that he had served in key positions under the previous LDF government, including Secretary (Taxes) and GST Commissioner. He said Kelkar’s experience would be particularly valuable as he himself was handling the Finance portfolio.

Concluding his remarks, Satheesan urged political parties to engage in meaningful criticism that would contribute to Kerala’s development rather than generating unnecessary political disputes.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman