Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: A relative appointed to the personal staff of Kerala Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph has resigned following a controversy over the appointment.

Benny Thomas, the minister's brother-in-law and a general secretary of the Kannur District Congress Committee (DCC), stepped down from his position in the minister's personal staff. His resignation letter was submitted to Chief Minister VD Satheesan.

The resignation comes days after criticism erupted over Benny Thomas' appointment as Additional Private Secretary to the minister, with opposition voices alleging nepotism.

Defending the appointment earlier, Sunny Joseph had said Benny Thomas was not selected because he was a relative but because he was an experienced public worker. However, Chief Minister VD Satheesan had responded by saying that he was aware of the matter and would comment after examining the details.

A native of Ulikkal in Kannur district, Benny Thomas is an active Congress leader. The controversy has drawn attention because the UDF had strongly criticised the previous LDF government over alleged appointments of relatives and favouritism.