Brief
Kerala CM denies political motive in vigilance probe of CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Satheesan says the probe follows a complaint, not retaliation, as protests over the chief election commissioner intensify.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan told PTI that the state government's decision to order a vigilance probe into former PWD secretary Gyanesh Kumar, now chief election commissioner, is not driven by political vendetta. The comments came on Oct. 12, 2026, amid nationwide protests led by the Congress demanding the CEC's removal over alleged electoral roll irregularities.
Satheesan said a complaint was lodged by the Home Minister concerning Kumar's activities during his tenure as PWD secretary, prompting the investigation. "Some complaint was received by the Home Minister against this fellow’s activities when he was PWD secretary. Then as usual, they have ordered an inquiry," he told PTI. He added that the law will take its course and that the government will decide on further action after receiving the vigilance report.
The probe was ordered last week by state Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala after Congress leader Malayinkeezhu Venugopal filed a complaint seeking an investigation into alleged corruption in the KSTP road project and the 2006 death of a Malaysian engineer linked to the project. The investigation focuses on Kumar’s role as the state’s public works secretary two decades ago.
Satheesan rejected accusations that the move mirrors the central government's alleged retaliatory actions against opposition figures. "It is not political. There is no political vendetta," he said in the interview.
Key facts
- Kerala CM V D Satheesan says the vigilance probe into CEC Gyanesh Kumar is not politically motivated. (news18.com)
- The probe was ordered after a complaint from the Home Minister regarding Kumar's activities as PWD secretary. (news18.com)
- State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala initiated the investigation following a complaint filed by Congress leader Malayinkeezhu Venugopal. (news18.com)
- The investigation relates to alleged corruption in the KSTP road project and a 2006 death of a Malaysian engineer. (news18.com)
Sources
- [1] news18.com — originally reported as “No political vendetta in probe against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, says Ker CM Satheesan”
