Tensions are rising in Kerala’s political corridors as BJP leaders confront the state government over the controversial appointment of retired Justice Babu Mathew P. Joseph as Lokpal. In a strongly worded petition to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, the party claims the move blatantly violates key provisions of the Kerala Lokayukta Act.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, BJP’s Kerala president, along with Advocate S. Suresh, met the Governor at Lok Bhawan on Saturday. Their submission zeroes in on Section 5(3) of the 1999 Act, which explicitly prohibits former Lokayukta holders from assuming salaried government positions post-retirement.
‘Despite the unambiguous language, the cabinet has proceeded with an interpretation that undermines the law,’ the BJP leaders asserted. They stressed that the Lokpal role, overseeing local bodies and drawing public funds, cannot escape this restriction. Any defiance, they added, invites inevitable court challenges and invalidation.
The petition goes further, warning of broader implications for governance transparency. Weakening safeguards for oversight roles risks public faith in decentralized administration, especially at the panchayat and municipal levels where accountability is paramount.
Calling on the Governor’s discretionary powers under the Constitution, the duo demanded the cabinet resolution be returned for review. This high-stakes appeal highlights deepening rifts between the BJP and the ruling LDF government on matters of legal propriety and institutional autonomy.
Official confirmation from Raj Bhavan via X detailed the meeting, reiterating the BJP’s legal objections. With eyes on the Governor’s office, this dispute could reshape how Kerala handles appointments to vigilance positions, ensuring they align with legislative intent.