Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Monday defended the appointment of former Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U. Khelkar as his secretary, while also rejecting criticism over his recent visit to the Guruvayoor Sree Krishna temple. The Chief Minister addressed the controversies after a special Cabinet meeting, calling the criticism unnecessary and politically motivated.
Satheesan said he did not understand the objections raised over Khelkar’s appointment, pointing out that the former Chief Electoral Officer is an All India Service officer with a strong service record. He explained that once elections conclude, the role of the Chief Electoral Officer ends, after which officers are eligible for fresh postings based on administrative requirements and due approvals.
He further clarified that Khelkar’s appointment followed the standard procedure, where the state government forwards a panel of eligible officers for consideration. The Chief Minister also said the decision was taken only after formal communication that the officer was available for posting elsewhere, dismissing allegations of impropriety in the appointment process.
Also Read: PM Modi Launches Ganga Expressway, Visits Kashi Vishwanath Temple In Varanasi
Responding to political criticism, Satheesan compared the situation with past administrative decisions in other states and within Kerala itself. He noted that no objections were raised when similar appointments were made earlier, including instances where former Chief Electoral Officers went on to hold senior administrative positions such as Home Secretary and Chief Secretary. He also pointed out that Khelkar himself had been appointed CEO during the previous CPI(M)-led government.
The Chief Minister described the ongoing criticism as “almost humorous,” asserting that the officer has a strong track record and that the present reshuffle of officials is temporary in nature. He added that several ministers are currently handling additional portfolios, necessitating administrative adjustments within the government.
On the separate controversy surrounding his visit to the Guruvayoor Sree Krishna temple, Satheesan strongly denied allegations of receiving any special treatment. He stated that he visited the temple like any ordinary devotee, purchased a regular ticket for darshan, and waited in the queue without any preferential access.
He further clarified that he was accompanied only by a single security personnel and had explicitly informed temple authorities that no special arrangements were required. Emphasising that he did not bypass other devotees, Satheesan said the visit was a personal religious act and urged critics not to politicise the matter.
Also Read: Shehbaz Sharif And Asim Munir Visit China For Talks On Regional Diplomacy