Complaint Filed by Kannur Youth Congress Chief Against IAS Officer for Commending CM's Aide
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Synopsis
On April 19, Kannur Youth Congress President Vigil Mohan lodged a complaint against IAS officer Divya S. Iyer for praising CPI-M leader K.K. Ragesh, the Private Secretary to Kerala's Chief Minister. The complaint raises concerns about political neutrality expected of IAS officials.
Key Takeaways
- Vigil Mohan filed a complaint against IAS officer Divya S. Iyer.
- The complaint is based on Iyer's social media praise of K.K. Ragesh.
- Concerns were raised regarding the All India Service Rules.
- K. Sabarinath criticized Iyer's lack of discretion.
- CPI-M leaders defended Iyer's actions.
Kannur, April 19 (NationPress) The President of the Kannur district Youth Congress, Vigil Mohan, lodged a complaint on Friday against IAS officer and Vizhinjam Port Managing Director Divya S. Iyer for commending CPI-M leader K.K. Ragesh, who serves as the Private Secretary to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
This commendation was made via her social media shortly after Ragesh’s appointment as the new District Secretary of CPI-M in Kannur.
Mohan informed the press that he submitted a complaint to Kerala Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan and the Director at the Directorate of Public Grievances.
"She has breached the All India Service Rules, as IAS officials are expected to maintain political neutrality. Ideally, she should resign from the IAS and join CPI-M if she wishes to express such support," stated Mohan.
Notably, Iyer is the spouse of Youth Congress Vice-President and former two-time Congress legislator K. Sabarinath, son of the late veteran Congress leader, former Speaker and Minister G. Karthikeyan, who passed away while serving as Speaker in 2014.
Sabarinath, who won a by-election in 2014 and retained his seat in 2016, lost in the 2021 elections.
He expressed concern over Iyer's post, stating that while it's acceptable for a government official to praise government initiatives, this situation is different.
"Though her endorsement lacked any overt political implications, the fact that Ragesh’s new role is a party position, not a government one, warranted more discretion on her part, thus escalating this to a political issue," explained Sabarinath.
Upon Ragesh’s appointment, Iyer shared on Instagram, "I have gained invaluable insights from Ragesh over the past three years. He is a dedicated individual. Thank you for always treating us with utmost respect — a quality that is becoming rare in the corridors of power worldwide."
What has particularly upset the Congress party is Iyer's defense of her actions, which she reiterated on Friday while taking a jab at Congress leaders who criticized her.
Former Congress legislator and senior party figure T. Sarathchandra Prasad expressed his disappointment, highlighting the unfortunate nature of the praise coming from the daughter-in-law of Karthikeyan, which has troubled many in the Congress.
"I believe anyone can commend anyone else, but there are appropriate ways to do so. What you (Iyer) did is unacceptable given your position as an IAS officer bound by regulations. Praising a leader of the ruling party is misplaced. Just observe how Sabarinath reacted to your commendation," Prasad remarked.
As of now, numerous CPI-M leaders, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, have stated that Iyer's actions were not inappropriate, a sentiment echoed by veteran CPI-M leader and former State Minister A.K. Balan on Friday.
