Kerala Governor gives approval to Seshadrinathan’s appointment as State Election Commissioner

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Wednesday (July 1, 2026) agreed to the United Democratic Front (UDF) government’s recommendation to appoint N. Seshadrinathan, Judge, Family Court, Irinjlakuda, as the Kerala State Election Commissioner (SEC).

The government has come under fire from within the Congress as well as the Communist Party of India (Marxist) for nominating an alleged “Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) fellow traveller” to the post.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee General Secretary PM Niyas’ open rebellion against Mr. Seshadrinathan’s nomination appeared to be futile as the Cabinet refused to reverse the decision on the recommendation of Local Government Institutions (LSGI) Minister KM Shaji.

Mr Niyas asked Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala to allow an intelligence probe into Mr Seshadrinathan’s political background. His loud objection made the rounds in the social and conservative media and gave the CPI(M) ammunition to accuse the government of capitulating to the Sangh Parivar.

CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan alleged that the UDF’s decision to nominate him for the post was a veiled attempt to boost the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) electoral chances. He also cited it as Chief Minister VD Satheesan’s latest “bow to the right” speech.

Published – 1 Jul 2026 21:52 IST