Published Jul 03, 2026 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 03, 2026 | 7:00 AM
N. Seshadrinathan
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has approved the state Cabinet’s recommendation to appoint retired district judge N Seshadrinathan as the State Election Commissioner for local bodies.
The appointment has triggered sharp opposition from within the ruling UDF, with critics alleging that Seshadrinathan has close links to the Sangh Parivar.
KPCC general secretary Advocate PM Niyaz triggered the controversy, arguing that appointing Seshadrinathan to such a constitutional post could politically damage the UDF.
The Governor’s approval came even as Congress and Muslim League leaders were preparing to discuss the matter.
“The Governor signed the file digitally as he was in Tamil Nadu. He approved it within 18 minutes of receiving it. While several files remain pending for approval at the Lok Bhavan, officials from Lok Bhavan called the Secretariat twice regarding this particular file, asking why there was a delay in sending it,” Niyaz told South First.
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
An IUML leader also alleged that the Governor had recommended the appointment of the State Election Commissioner and showed special interest in ensuring it was cleared swiftly, even before the usual intelligence verification or other standard clearances were completed.
Niyaz submitted letters to the Congress leadership and the government expressing his concerns. He urged the Home Minister to examine Seshadrinathan’s deleted social media posts that allegedly supported Sangh Parivar organisations.
“The UDF will have to pay a heavy political price for this appointment. My objection is not personal, but to his political leanings. Many in the IUML are uncomfortable with the appointment, but no one raised the issue during the Cabinet meeting,” Niyaz said.
Sources said AICC general secretary Deepa Dasmunsi discussed the issue with Chief Minister VD Satheesan on Wednesday, 1 July. However, with the Governor signing the order, those opposing the move have little scope to reverse it.
Sources also said Satheesan was unhappy that Niyaz made his objections public instead of raising them directly with him.
Seshadrinathan has held several key judicial positions during his career, including serving as the Principal District and Sessions Judge in Kavaratti, Lakshadweep, the CBI Court judge in Ernakulam and in various other courts across the state.
After retiring from service, he continued in the judiciary as a judge at the Irinjalakkuda Family Court.
Speaking to South First, Attakoya MI, a Mukthiyar from Lakshadweep, described Seshadrinathan as an impartial and upright judge who earned the trust of the people during his tenure in the Union Territory.
He said Seshadrinathan treated everyone fairly and maintained cordial relations with the local community. Attakoya added that irrespective of any perceived political leaning, Seshadrinathan’s conduct on the bench was always guided by fairness and justice.
