In a press conference held in Kozhikode, CPM leader M V Jayarajan leveled serious allegations against KPCC president and electricity minister Sunny Joseph, accusing him of nepotism in government appointments. Jayarajan claimed that over the past three decades, Joseph had facilitated the appointment of at least 10 of his close relatives to key positions in various institutions through backdoor means, bypassing merit-based recruitment.
Details of Allegations
Jayarajan released a list detailing the names and positions of the relatives allegedly appointed through political influence. According to him, three of Joseph's siblings were given jobs at the Kannur Co-operative Bank. Additionally, Joseph's brother-in-law and the siblings of his wife were also among those listed. Jayarajan further alleged that one of Joseph's daughters secured an appointment at the Karassery Co-operative Bank, while another daughter was granted admission to the MBBS program at Pariyaram Medical College in 2006, during the tenure of the UDF government.
Jayarajan asserted that none of these appointments were obtained on merit, labeling them as backdoor entries. He criticized the minister for using his political clout to benefit family members, questioning the ethics of such practices in public service.
Political Implications
The allegations come amid ongoing political tensions in Kerala, with both the ruling LDF and opposition UDF trading accusations of corruption and nepotism. Sunny Joseph, a senior Congress leader, has not yet responded to the claims. The issue is expected to spark further debate in the state's political circles, with the CPM likely to use it as a tool to attack the Congress-led opposition.
This development adds to the list of controversies surrounding political appointments in Kerala, where cooperative banks and medical colleges have often been flashpoints for allegations of favoritism. The public awaits a clarification from Minister Joseph regarding the specific charges leveled by Jayarajan.
