Benny Thomas, another private secretary to Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph, resigns amid allegations of nepotism

Benny Thomas, another private secretary to Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph, has resigned following a political controversy arising from allegations of nepotism in his appointment.

Mr Thomas, who is Mr Joseph’s brother-in-law, tendered his resignation to Chief Minister VD Satheesan on Sunday. Mr Joseph confirmed that his APS had resigned.

Mr Thomas’ appointment was perhaps the first controversy to dog the new Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala. His resignation comes ahead of the session of the State Legislature, which resumes on June 19.

Mr. Thomas, a native of Ulikkal, Kannur, and a district functionary of the Congress, was included in the first list of 13 appointments to the personal staff of the power minister, sparking a political row. The opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) raised the issue and stepped up its attack inside and outside the assembly.

The power minister had initially defended the appointment, describing Mr. Thomas — a former Ulikkal grama panchayat president — as a political worker of integrity. According to him, the name of Mr. Thomas was recommended for the post of Additional Private Secretary by the Kannur District Congress Committee President. Mr. Thomas also served as the chief election agent of the UDF in Peravoor, where Mr. Joseph was contesting in the 2026 parliamentary polls.

Published – 07 Jun 2026 20:37 IST