Thiruvananthapuram, May 24 (IANS) A major confrontation appears to be brewing within the newly formed state government after Kerala Ministers expressed displeasure over the sweeping IAS reshuffle carried out by Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak, who is due to retire next month.

The controversy has erupted barely days after the new administration led by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan assumed office, with Ministers accusing the Chief Secretary of pushing through key appointments and transfers without consulting the political leadership concerned.

The strongest resentment has emerged over the transfer of district collectors and appointments to sensitive departments, which several Ministers claim were made unilaterally.

Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar was reportedly kept in the dark about the reshuffle involving collectors in key districts, while Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty is understood to have objected strongly to the appointment of Arun K. Vijayan as Director of Industries without prior consultation.

The unusual public expression of dissatisfaction by Ministers has triggered intense discussions within government circles, especially since the reshuffle was executed at a time when the administration was expected to settle into office under the new political leadership.

Senior leaders are learnt to be concerned that the controversy could deepen into a larger tussle between the bureaucracy and the elected Kerala government.

The appointment of Arun K. Vijayan has emerged as the most contentious decision.

The former Kannur Collector had faced severe criticism in connection with the suicide case of former Kannur Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu.

Allegations were raised that Vijayan remained silent when then Kannur District Panchayat President and top CPI-M leader P.P. Divya publicly humiliated the ADM Naveen Babu during a farewell event.

Naveen Babu’s family had also levelled serious accusations against the Collector at the time.

Despite the controversy, Vijayan has now been elevated as Director of Industries and also given additional charge as Managing Director of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation, a move that has reportedly upset sections within the state government.

The reshuffle has brought extensive changes across the administrative hierarchy.

Patil Ajit Bhagwat Rao has been appointed Finance (Resources) Secretary, while P.B. Nooh becomes the new GST Commissioner. K. Imbasekhar has been named Managing Director of the Kerala Water Authority.

Snehal Kumar Singh has been appointed Director of Collegiate Education with additional charge as Entrance Commissioner.

With Chief Secretary Jayathilak set to retire next month, the controversy surrounding his final round of appointments is expected to become a major political talking point in the days ahead.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan was in Delhi on Saturday when this reshuffle took place.

–IANS

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