Kerala’s ‘caretaker’ row: Pro-left officials accused of hurrying transfers amid political deadlock

Thiruvananthapuram: A fresh administrative row has erupted in Kerala as the caretaker administration stands accused of pushing through contentious civil service transfers while the formation of a new government remains in a state of suspended animation.

In a move described by critics as "unprecedented," government departments have reportedly begun reviving files that were mothballed during the election period. Usually, major administrative decisions are deferred until a new cabinet is formally sworn in. However, reports suggest that pro-left officials are using the current power vacuum to implement orders drafted during the final days of the outgoing Pinarayi Vijayan ministry.
‘Revived’ files

The flurry of activity follows the lifting of the Model Code of Conduct. Sources indicate that the Health and Transport departments are among those leading the charge. On Friday, a formal order was issued by the Drugs Control Department, sanctioning the transfer of ten staff members, including senior clerical staff and drivers.

The move has not been without friction. A separate plan to relocate Assistant Public Prosecutors was reportedly halted at the eleventh hour following a wave of internal protests and allegations of political bias.

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Union backlash

The developments have sparked a fierce reaction from opposition-aligned service unions. Pro-Congress organisations have condemned the "backdoor" implementation of policies, asserting that a caretaker government lacks the mandate to execute significant personnel shifts.

The unions are mulling petitioning the Chief Secretary and demanding an immediate freeze on all non-essential administrative transfers until political clarity is restored.

The deadlock continues to cast a shadow over the state’s governance, with observers noting that the longer the wait for a new government, the greater the administrative uncertainty.