Malappuram, 01 June (H.S.) :

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has finalised a shortlist of 150 candidates for appointment to the personal staff of its five ministers in the Kerala government, following a highly scrutinised and centralised selection process that has reportedly triggered dissatisfaction within sections of the party.

Party sources said nearly 5,000 applications were received for the personal staff positions attached to the five Muslim League ministers. A two-member sub-committee appointed by the state leadership conducted multiple rounds of scrutiny before preparing the final panel.

According to sources, each minister has been provided with a list of 30 approved candidates and has been asked to select 15 members for their respective personal staff teams. However, the process has drawn criticism from some ministers and legislators, who are said to be unhappy over the limited freedom granted in choosing their own aides.

Several ministers reportedly approached the party leadership after finding that some of their close associates and recommended party workers had not been included in the approved shortlist. Concerns have also been raised among legislators, many of whom are unfamiliar with several names included in the final panel.

Party leadership has instructed ministers to make appointments only from the approved list. The panel also includes officials eligible to join various government departments on deputation.

Sources indicated that senior leader P.K. Kunhalikutty was allowed to recommend a separate list of seven individuals for inclusion in his personal staff setup. Ministers have also been advised to consult party-affiliated service organisations while appointing officials on deputation to their departments.

Appointment orders are expected to be issued from June 1 onwards.

A senior Muslim League leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the selection process had deliberately given greater representation to party workers from districts that lack strong representation in the Assembly or Parliament. While the leadership is aware of the discontent within certain sections of the party, it believes the exercise was aimed at ensuring broader organisational balance and inclusivity in the appointments.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman