KC Venugopal has distanced himself from Chief Minister VD Satheesan’s decision to appoint former Chief Electoral Officer Dr Ratan U Khelkar as his secretary, stating it is purely an administrative decision by the CM. The remarks have sparked a political controversy, especially given that Rahul Gandhi had strongly criticised a similar appointment in West Bengal but has remained silent on this one.

The appointment was made on a Sunday, with Khelkar taking charge the same day on the CM’s special directive. KC Venugopal, the Congress’s national general secretary, told the media that he had no role in the decision and that the CM alone should answer for it. Political observers see this as a deliberate move by Venugopal to isolate Satheesan within the party and the UDF.

The controversy has taken a national turn, with BJP leader Amit Malviya targeting Rahul Gandhi for what he called “hypocrisy” — criticising the Bengal appointment while staying silent on Kerala. Meanwhile, CPM and BJP leaders have questioned whether the appointment was a reward for Khelkar’s role in the UDF’s election victory.

Congress leaders Sunny Joseph and Ramesh Chennithala have defended the appointment, calling Khelkar a capable officer with a strong track record. However, social media comments from UDF supporters themselves reveal deep internal discontent, with many accusing Venugopal of playing factional politics rather than standing with his own government.