Published May 03, 2026 | 3:47 PM ⚊ Updated May 03, 2026 | 4:32 PM
N Prasanth. Credit: instagram.com/bro_swamy
Synopsis: With counting hours away in the Kerala Assembly polls 2026, political tension has spiked as IAS officer N Prasanth was suspended for allegedly criticising the LDF government. Already under suspension, he denounced the move as curtailing free speech. His case follows B Ashok’s similar suspension, both sparking debate over civil servants’ rights during the election period.
Only a few hours are left for counting in the Kerala Assembly polls 2026. The results will decide whether the incumbent LDF retains power, UDF stages a comeback, or BJP emerges as a decisive force in the state.
Yet, even at this final juncture, the political heat has intensified, with IAS officer N Prasanth receiving a last-minute suspension order from Kerala government.
Prasanth has been suspended for allegedly speaking against the government in public forums, including the media. He had already been under suspension for around 1.5 years, with the latest order issued last night.
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In recent weeks, Prasanth had been actively participating in television debates and engaging on social media, particularly discussing the Assembly elections and reportedly criticising the LDF government.
Speaking to South First, Prasanth reacted strongly, stating that the order issued to him is identical to the one served to Ashok.
”Not even a word has changed from Dr B Ashok’s suspension order. They just want us to keep our mouths shut. No one can curtail freedom of speech” he said.
He also quoted Rule 6 of Conduct Rules that states that an officer does not require prior permission to speak to media. Prasanth further noted that his engagement with public platforms is not new.
”I have been active on social media even prior to joining the service. Earlier, they might not have noticed it, but during the election period it may have triggered insecurity, as it could affect voting patterns. It is sad that in Kerala we have to fight for freedom of speech to safeguard political interests. Truth cannot be subservient to political narratives.” he added.
Apart from participating in debates, Prasanth runs a YouTube channel, ”Brew with Bro” which he started during the COVID period.
Recently, the channel has been uploading experimental content, including podcasts. His latest podcast featuring B Ashok IAS has attracted significant attention.
Prasanth is widely known as ”Collector Bro” a nickname he earned during his tenure as Kozhikode district collector from February 2015 to 2017, when he actively used social media for public engagement.
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A few days earlier, senior IAS officer B Ashok was also placed under suspension by the state government for allegedly violating service rules by interacting with the media without prior permission. The order was issued on Wednesday by the Chief Secretary.
Ashok, who serves as Principal Secretary of the Sainik Welfare Department and also as Vice-Chancellor of Kerala Agricultural University, was suspended after engaging with media outlets and social media platforms without authorisation, in contravention of established conduct rules governing civil servants.
The order specifically cites a violation of Rule 7(2), which restricts serving officers from publicly expressing views critical of government policies.
According to the government, Ashok had recently appeared in multiple media discussions, particularly in the context of the Assembly elections, where he is reported to have criticised certain policies.
Officials maintain that such actions are inconsistent with the neutrality and discipline expected of a serving IAS officer.
However, Ashok has strongly contested the suspension, calling it ”illegal” and lacking legal validity. He pointed out that the order does not clearly specify the statements that allegedly violated service rules.
He also questioned the timing of the action, noting that it was taken while the state is under a caretaker government.
Ashok further alleged that the move was retaliatory in nature, claiming it followed private complaints filed by two individuals and was executed without a formal inquiry.
While he indicated that he may pursue legal remedies, he added that he does not intend to initiate legal proceedings immediately, given the impending change of government.
