The newly formed United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala is facing severe internal friction and public backlash over the appointment of personal staff for ministers. Critics and grassroots party workers have raised serious allegations of nepotism, pointing out that several key positions are being filled with relatives and close associates of senior leaders instead of the dedicated party workers who campaigned actively on the ground.

A major controversy has erupted around KPCC President and Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph, who appointed his brother-in-law, Benny Thomas, as his Additional Private Secretary. This move has drawn sharp criticism, especially since the UDF had previously campaigned heavily against the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government for similar nepotism. Meanwhile, grassroot Congress workers feel neglected, claiming they are being kept out of ministerial offices while a select circle of favorites secures lucrative, pension-eligible personal staff roles.

Also read

Old Video of Vijay's Wife Sangeetha and Trisha's Mother Uma Krishnan Sparks Discussion Online Gautam Adani Reclaims Title as Asia's Richest Person, Surpassing Mukesh Ambani and Chinese Tycoons

While the Muslim League attempted a structured screening process by shortlisting 150 candidates from 5,000 applications, exceptions were still made for senior leaders like PK Kunhalikutty. Other appointments include retired IAS officer A. Alexander as Private Secretary to Irrigation Minister Mons Joseph, and various postings under Ministers CP John, T. Siddique, and K. Muraleedharan. The lack of coordination among Congress ministers and the absence of active KPCC leadership meetings have further fueled resentment within the party ranks.