Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister VD Satheesan has strongly defended the appointment of Ratan U Kelkar as his Secretary, questioning the basis of the ongoing political controversy. Satheesan stated that once an election concludes, the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) role comes to an end. Pointing out the past appointment of Nalini Netto, he explained to the media that the situation in West Bengal was entirely different and that there had been absolutely no complaints regarding the Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls (SIR) in Kerala.

"Has there been any allegation against Kelkar? It was the previous government that recommended him for the post of Chief Electoral Officer. Did Kelkar buy 102 seats for the UDF?" Chief Minister Satheesan asked.

What Chief Minister VD Satheesan said

"What is the basis of this controversy? He is an officer in the state service. The Central Election Commission appoints the CEO from a panel provided by the state government. Once the election is conducted, that duty is over. Does that mean their official career should end the very next day? What kind of a debate is happening here?

“Nalini Netto was previously the Chief Electoral Officer. Following that, she went on to serve in the Home Department, held the post of Chief Secretary, and also worked in the Chief Minister’s Office. Everyone before him has moved on to other positions after completing their election duties.

“Kelkar’s appointment is being compared to West Bengal. However, in Bengal, the Trinamool Congress, CPM and Congress had raised serious allegations against the election officer, claiming that names were removed from the electoral rolls on a massive scale. No such complaint has been raised against the Chief Electoral Officer here by either the CPM or the BJP. In fact, it was the CPM-led government that recommended his name. As the Leader of the Opposition during the election period, I was the one who submitted the maximum number of complaints to him. Apart from that, no political party raised any allegations against him.

Did Ratan Kelkar win 102 seats for the UDF? What a joke is being played out in Kerala. He was appointed as the Chief Electoral Officer from a panel submitted by the Pinarayi government. Did the previous government include him in the panel so that he could manipulate the election and hand 102 seats to the UDF? Is there a joke bigger than this?" Satheesan said.

Cabinet decisions

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister announced that the State Cabinet has approved the Governor's policy address. Apu Joseph has been appointed as the Chief Whip. The Cabinet also decided to appoint Adv K C Vincent as the Additional Advocate General of the High Court. Furthermore, T Asaf Ali, who was appointed as the Director General of Prosecutions, has been given the additional charge of Special Attorney for the Lokayukta.