Kerala political row over Kelkar appointment

A political controversy has erupted in India — Kerala>>> following the appointment of Rathan U. Kelkar>>>, who served as the state's Chief Electoral Officer, as secretary to Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan>>>. The India — Communist Party of India (Marxist)>>> and the India — Bharatiya Janata Party>>> have criticized the India — Indian National Congress>>>-led government, alleging hypocrisy and questioning the credibility of the recent Assembly elections. The India — Communist Party of India (Marxist)>>> claims the appointment raises suspicions of a 'reward' for biased actions during the polls, citing issues like alleged BJP seals on Election Commission communications and voter deletion. The India — Bharatiya Janata Party>>>, through leader K. Surendran>>>, accused the India — Indian National Congress>>> of double standards, referencing Rahul Gandhi>>>'s past criticism of a similar appointment in India — West Bengal>>> involving Manoj Kumar Agarwal>>>. India — Indian National Congress>>> leaders Ramesh Chennithala>>> and Sunny Joseph>>> have defended the appointment, stating it is a governmental prerogative and without political motivation.