Thiruvananthapuram , 07 June (H.S.) :The first major controversy over appointments in the newly formed UDF government in Kerala has resulted in a resignation, with Benny Thomas, the brother-in-law of Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph, stepping down from his post in the minister’s personal staff.

Benny Thomas had been appointed as Additional Private Secretary to the Minister shortly after the UDF government assumed office. However, the appointment came under intense scrutiny after opposition leaders and sections within the Congress questioned the decision, alleging nepotism and accusing the government of contradicting its earlier stance against similar appointments during the previous Left administration.

Thomas submitted his resignation letter to Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Sunday, bringing an end to a controversy that had quickly become a political embarrassment for the ruling front.

The issue was reportedly raised during a recent Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) meeting, where senior party leaders criticized the appointment and expressed concern that such decisions could damage the credibility of the government. Several leaders reportedly argued that greater caution should have been exercised in selecting personal staff and that the government should avoid actions that could invite allegations of favoritism.

The criticism gained significance because the UDF had repeatedly targeted the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government over alleged appointments of relatives and associates to key positions. Party leaders warned that the new administration could not afford to be seen following the same path after coming to power.

Despite the growing criticism, Minister Sunny Joseph had initially defended the appointment. Speaking after the KPCC meeting, he maintained that Benny Thomas had been chosen not because of his family relationship but due to his long experience in public life and organizational work. The minister also argued that there was no legal obstacle to the appointment and insisted that it had been made on merit.

However, with the controversy continuing to gather momentum, Benny Thomas chose to resign, bringing temporary closure to the issue while sparing the government further political discomfort.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman