Kerala CM’s Office ‘not functioning’; woman’s complaint returned amid govt formation delay

Thiruvananthapuram: An incident highlighting the difficulties faced by the public amid delays in the formation of Kerala’s new government has emerged after a complaint sent to the Chief Minister’s office was returned by the Postal Department with the remark that the office was “not functioning”.

The complaint was sent by Shafna K.L., a resident of Pavaratty in Thrissur district, who had sought protection for herself and her children.

Shafna had posted the complaint through Speed Post on May 5 to the Chief Minister’s official address at the fourth floor of the North Block in the Government Secretariat, Thiruvananthapuram. The envelope reached back to her on May 13 with handwritten remarks reading “Refused” and “Office Not Functioning”.

According to reports, she approached the Chief Minister on the advice of her advocate, Sujith Ayinippully, after a police case related to alleged harassment by relatives was registered at Pavaratty police station.

The incident has drawn attention across the state as Kerala continues to await the formation of a new government following the Assembly election results.

Delay in naming new Chief Minister

Former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan resigned from office on May 4, 2026 after the Left Democratic Front was defeated in the Assembly elections.

However, the Congress-led United Democratic Front has yet to officially announce the new Chief Minister and council of ministers.

The returned postal cover has also triggered questions regarding administrative functioning at the State Secretariat, with the Postal Department’s stated reason suggesting that the Chief Minister’s office was not operational.

The development comes as routine public grievances are reportedly facing delays in the absence of a functioning Chief Minister’s Office.

Congress expected to announce Chief Minister today

Ten days after the Assembly election results were declared, Congress is expected to announce Kerala’s new Chief Minister on Thursday.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday night said discussions authorised by the Congress Legislative Party had been completed and that the new Chief Minister would be declared on Thursday.

Ramesh made the statement after meeting Congress president Mallikarjuna Kharge at his residence in Delhi.

The announcement is expected to end days of political uncertainty that followed the UDF’s victory over the decade-old Left government led by Pinarayi Vijayan.