Kannur ADM death: Pressure mounts for District Panchayat president's resignation

Kannur: As the ADM's suicide has put both the CPM and the government on the defensive, pressure is mounting for the resignation of Kannur District Panchayat president P P Divya. While the opposition is using the ADM's suicide to attack the government, the incident has also sparked strong protests from the local CPM unit in Naveen Babu's native place, Pathanamthitta, due to his close ties with the party.

Public reactions have emerged there as well. Naveen Babu was a close associate of the Kerala Gazetted Officers Association (KGOA), a pro-CPM service organisation. Following a consultation among senior district leaders, the CPM convened an urgent Secretariat meeting and issued a press release, stating that Divya’s statement was untimely. Although the issue of removing her from the post of District Panchayat president is not currently under consideration, leaders acknowledge that there may be no other option to save face. Given the announcement of by-elections, it is considered likely that a resignation will be demanded. On social media, Divya is facing heavy criticism, even from party sympathisers.

WhatsApp message reveals transfer blocked by own union
Pathanamthitta: A WhatsApp message from Naveen Babu to his friend Harigopal on August 11 alleged that while the CPI was ready to appoint him as ADM in Pathanamthitta, his own union intervened in his transfer without his knowledge and blocked it. Naveen Babu had expressed disinterest in working in Kannur.

The message reads, “The union approached the Revenue Minister through the Chief Minister's Office to block my transfer. They told the Minister that the Kannur ADM is working well and should not be transferred. On learning this, I said I would not come back to Kannur, and I applied for three months' leave. The Collector forwarded the application with a recommendation. When it reached the government, I was told it would be approved. But three days later, the Chooralmala-Mundakkai disaster occurred, and I did not get the leave. After a week in Wayanad, I returned to Kannur.” Naveen Babu was a member of KGOA.

KGOA denies blocking transfer
The KGOA state secretariat has demanded that the allegations related to Naveen Babu's death be thoroughly investigated. The association stated that Naveen Babu, who was a member, had provided exemplary and efficient service for many years. Reports that KGOA blocked his transfer to his home district are false. If any official is found to have made a mistake, an inquiry should be conducted through proper channels. General secretary M Shajahan emphasised that public accusations and judgments, including those from elected representatives, are inappropriate and condemnable.