Kerala IAS row: Prasanth likely to face disciplinary action over remarks against Jayathilak

Thiruvananthapuram: A public feud between Kerala's Additional Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak and Special Secretary (Agriculture) N. Prasanth has intensified, with disciplinary action expected against Prasanth for controversial social media remarks targeting Jayathilak. Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan informed Mathrubhumi News that steps will be taken soon, though specific details are yet to be disclosed. Prasanth’s comments have reportedly caused discontent within the IAS community. 

Breach of Protocol Allegations
The conflict first gained public attention when Jayathilak accused Prasanth of bypassing official protocol by submitting files directly to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). Additional allegations in a report by Jayathilak, which surfaced earlier, accuse Prasanth of falsifying attendance records while holding the SC/ST Special Secretary role, despite allegedly remaining absent from work and important meetings. "Prasanth even refuses to attend important official meetings," Jayathilak claimed.

Escalating Tensions through Media and Social Media
In response, Prasanth took to social media, dubbing Jayathilak the “madapampalliyile yathartha chitharogi” (a “real lunatic,” a dialogue from the Malayalam film Manichithrathazhu), though the remark was deleted amid controversy. 
Prasanth also sarcastically referred to Jayathilak as “Special Reporter Jayathilak IAS” on social media platform X. He added, “I will also post information about Jayathilak which the public should be aware of soon.”

Prasanth, known for his substantial social media following, further invited public comments on his posts but urged restraint. “They should do it with some restraint as he (Jayathilak) has already claimed he will be the Next Chief Secretary of the state,” he stated.

With agency inputs