Congress leader K. Muraleedharan and the Kannur District Congress Committee (DCC) have strongly defended Minister Sunny Joseph’s decision to appoint his brother-in-law, Benny Thomas, to his personal staff. Addressing the nepotism allegations raised by LDF supporters on social media, Muraleedharan pointed out that Benny Thomas is an experienced political worker with a proven track record, making the appointment entirely justified.

Drawing a comparison to the LDF cabinet, Muraleedharan asked if anyone in the Congress had criticized Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for appointing his son-in-law, PA Mohamed Riyas, as a minister. He emphasized that just as Riyas had a strong organizational background as an all-India youth wing president, Benny Thomas has served as a panchayat president for a decade and has a long history of political activism. He added that while the party generally opposes appointing relatives, Benny’s political credentials make him highly qualified.

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Minister Sunny Joseph also stood firm on his decision, stating that Benny Thomas is an exemplary public worker who served as his chief agent and is a highly popular local leader in Ulikkal, Kannur. Kannur DCC President Martin George supported this, clarifying that Benny Thomas was included in the staff on the DCC’s recommendation due to his decades-long dedication to the party as DCC General Secretary and former Youth Congress leader, rather than his relationship with the minister.