KC Venugopal described Gopinathan as one of the brave bureaucrats with a passion for the downtrodden and marginalised people of the country, and who always fought for justice and unity.
Published Oct 13, 2025 | 1:31 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 13, 2025 | 1:31 PM
Kannan Gopinathan speaking to reporters after joining the Congress
Synopsis: Former IAS officer Kannan Gopinathan joined the Congress in the presence of AICC General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal and AICC Media & Publicity Department Chairman Pawan Khera. Joining the Congress, Gopinathan alleged that the current Union government labels anyone who raises questions as traitors.
Former IAS officer Kannan Gopinathan on Monday, 13 October, joined the Congress in the presence of All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal and AICC Media & Publicity Department Chairman Pawan Khera.
I resigned from my job in 2019, and at that time, I knew that the direction in which the government was taking the country was wrong. I also knew that I had to fight against this ‘wrong’. After this decision, I traveled to 80-90 districts of the country, talked to people, and met with numerous leaders. I realized that only the Congress party can take this country in the right direction.
Venugopal described Gopinathan as one of the brave bureaucrats with a passion for the downtrodden and marginalised people of the country, and who always fought for justice and unity.
Joining the Congress, Gopinathan alleged that the current Union government labels anyone who raises questions as traitors.
“We had become citizens from subjects after a long time, because we have the right to ask questions. But we also saw that in this government, anyone who asks questions is labelled a traitor. It took me quite some time, but I’m happy that today I am associated with the Congress party, and I will fulfil whatever responsibility the party gives me with complete honesty,” he added.
Venugopal noted that Gopinathan was born in Kerala and has worked in the Northeast and other parts of the country.
“Gopinathan’s joining the Congress party is a clear message that it’s the only party fighting for justice with an ideology that is very clear. He resigned in 2019, but his resignation has still not been accepted. Bureaucrats who fight for justice and the marginalised are being penalised by the government—this phenomenon is evident in both Haryana and Madhya Pradesh. Even the Chief Justice of India is not immune to these attacks,” Vengugopal said.
“It’s the right time to fight against this divisive agenda. So, today, his entry into the Congress party is a welcome step, and we wholeheartedly welcome him,” he added.
“Kannan Gopinathan ji was an IAS officer of the 2012 batch. When speaking out in the country had become almost impossible, he raised his voice,” Khera said.
“Kannan Gopinathan ji raised his voice loudly against the conversion of Jammu-Kashmir from a state to a UT and was vocal on the issue of CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) as well. He conveyed the message that the right of people to speak cannot be taken away. Gopinathan ji also spoke openly on the issue of VVPAT. He faced many FIRs and various actions, but he did not get scared or bow down. In the end, he quit such a job that everyone wants to attain,” he added.
“We are happy that Gopinathan ji has chosen the Congress party. Our doors are open for every voice that speaks of freedom and justice,” Khera added.
Venugopal said Gopinathan joined the Congress after having meetings with AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
