Keralam CM flays ex-Governor Arlekar over recommendation to remove PSC chief; justifies IAS reshuffle

Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan with former Keralam Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar (file)

Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has criticised former Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar for recommending to President Droupadi Murmu the removal of Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) chairman M.R. Baiju following a Crime Branch investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitments to the State Planning Board.

Addressing the media after the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (November 4, 2026), Mr. Satheesan said the former Governor’s recommendation to remove the PSC chairman and dissolve the commission had been made without following due procedure. The Governor should have consulted the State government before making such a recommendation, he said.

However, the Chief Minister made it clear that the Governor’s decision to bypass established procedures could not be used to cover up irregularities within the PSC.

“It is clear that the Governor’s recommendation to remove the PSC chairman and members was made without adhering to the prescribed procedures. Under the Constitution, the Governor is required to consult the government on such matters. Any such recommendation should have been made in consultation with the government. At the same time, the Governor’s procedural lapse cannot be used to cover up irregularities within the PSC. The Opposition is now conducting a campaign to shield the PSC chairman and members by highlighting the Governor’s actions,” he said.

He said the Crime Branch investigation into the alleged irregularities had brought to light “shocking details.” Preliminary findings indicated that the PSC had appointed associates, relatives and party affiliates to various posts. Numerous complaints were still being received, all of which would be forwarded to the investigating team for examination. Every complaint would be thoroughly investigated, and strict action would be taken against those found guilty, he said.

Assuring that the government would adopt an uncompromising approach to the issue, Mr. Satheesan said the credibility of the PSC would be restored. He also stressed the need for a “clean-up exercise” within the commission.

Responding to questions, the Chief Minister said the transfer of IAS officers had been carried out in accordance with established rules. He described the change of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) chairman as a routine administrative decision. He also dismissed reports that the transfers had been effected without the approval of the Civil Services Board.

The Chief Minister also criticised officials for the undue haste shown in granting liquor licences to bars. He said such licences should not be issued without the government’s knowledge and announced that the government’s new liquor policy would be unveiled soon.

He also indicated that the government would reconsider the provision introduced by the previous LDF government through a rule amendment, which empowered deputy commissioners to grant bar licences. The new liquor policy would bring about a change in the existing arrangement as per his words.

On the protests by LP/UP school teacher (LPST) rank-holders, Mr. Satheesan expressed sympathy, pointing out that the government had held discussions with them on eight occasions. He said he was “moved to tears” upon seeing the protesters cutting their hair as part of their agitation.

‘Strict action’ over police station incident

The Chief Minister also promised strict action against those involved in the attack on a YouTuber while he was being brought to a police station, as well as against Congress district panchayat member Sreenadevi Kunjamma, who stormed into a police station in Adoor to confront the accused held in the lock-up.

Describing the incident as “serious”, he said action would be taken against those found violating the law within the police station. State Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar has already sought a report from the Pathanamthitta Superintendent of Police (SP) on the incident, he added.