Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Tuesday defended the appointment of Kelkar as his secretary, stating that the selection followed a standard constitutional process. Speaking to reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Satheesan explained that the appointment of a Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) is carried out through a well-defined procedure where the state government submits a panel of eligible officers to the Election Commission.
Constitutional Process Clarified
The Chief Minister emphasized that the final selection rests with the Chief Election Commissioner, ensuring impartiality and adherence to democratic norms. He dismissed allegations of political interference, asserting that the process was transparent and merit-based.
Government's Stance
Satheesan reiterated that the state government only proposed a list of candidates, and the ultimate decision was made by the Election Commission. He urged critics to understand the constitutional framework governing such appointments.
The statement comes amid opposition criticism over the appointment. Satheesan's clarification aims to allay concerns and reaffirm the government's commitment to procedural integrity.
