The heads of some Kerala cultural institutions are reluctant to step down despite the change in government

Heads of some state-run cultural institutions in Kerala have shown reluctance to resign from their posts despite the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government instructing their appointees to vacate after the change of government. For now, Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) Chairman K. Madhu has resigned.

According to sources in the culture department and Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, film body chairman Resul Pookutty and vice-chairman Kukku Parameswaran resigned only two days ago with much delay. When The Hindu asked Mr. Pookutty on Friday (May 22, 2026) whether he had tendered his resignation or intended to continue in office, he said he did not want to comment. According to KSFDC sources, Mr. Madhu was in office on Friday.

In recent days, there have been rumors that at least some of the current directors of the institutions are seeking to extend their terms of office.

Cultural Affairs Minister PC Vishnunadh told The Hindu that several top institutions have tendered their resignations in the last few days.

“According to the information I have, almost every head of a cultural institution except the chairman of KSFDC has tendered his resignation. Some names have come up as suggestions to fill these posts. A decision will be taken only after discussion and consideration of the Chief Minister’s opinion,” Vishnunadh said.

Whenever there have been changes in government in the past, most political appointees have immediately vacated their posts. Poet and writer K. Satchidanandan resigned from his post as president of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi on May 8, soon after the Assembly election results were announced. Vice President Ashokan Charuvil also resigned from his position. Mr. Satchidanandan said it was “natural” that people holding similar posts leave them after a change in government.

Published – 22 May 2026 14:24 IST