Ex-IAS Officer Kannan Gopinathan Joins Congress; Calls out Govt's Kashmir Policy
Gopinathan’s induction into Congress was warmly received by party leaders
Former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Kannan Gopinathan formally joined the Indian National Congress, marking a significant step in his journey from civil service to political activism. Gopinathan, who resigned in 2019 to protest the central government’s actions following the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, expressed gratitude to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and other party leaders for welcoming him. “Joining the IAS was a means for me to serve. Leaving it was a necessity to speak. Through the Indian National Congress, I find the space to do both, to serve the people and to raise my voice against injustice,” he wrote on X.
Gopinathan’s decision to join Congress stemmed from his belief that the party is uniquely positioned to steer India in the right direction. He reflected on his travels across 80-90 districts and interactions with citizens and leaders, which convinced him of Congress’s potential to address national challenges. “One thing was clear at that time: the direction in which the Government wants to take the country is not right. It was clear that I had to fight against the wrong,” he said.
The former officer reiterated his criticism of the Narendra Modi government’s handling of Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which revoked the region’s special status and led to its bifurcation into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Gopinathan condemned the government’s measures, including the shutdown of communication, transportation, and internet services, as well as the detention of journalists, MPs, and former Chief Ministers. “Abrogating Article 370 might be a decision of the Government. But if you decide to shut down an entire state... is it right? Can this be right in a democratic nation?” he questioned, standing firm on his stance.
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Gopinathan’s induction into Congress was warmly received, with party leaders making him “feel at home.” In his X post, he expressed gratitude to Kharge, Gandhi, and Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, adding, “This is the beginning of a humble journey. Consider me your ally, your friend, your brother.” His entry into politics signals a new chapter for the former civil servant, who aims to continue advocating for justice while serving the public through the Congress platform. As regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir continue to demand the restoration of statehood, Gopinathan’s voice adds weight to the ongoing discourse surrounding the region’s governance.
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