THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – With only days remaining for the high-stakes Kerala Assembly elections, a sudden resignation within the personal staff of Public Works and Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas has sent ripples through the state’s political circles.
P.K. Sabarish Kumar, the Minister’s Private Secretary, officially stepped down from his position on March 18. While personal staff members typically serve until a minister vacates office, this pre-emptive exit—occurring just as the government’s tenure nears its end—has provided fresh ammunition for the Opposition.
The Pension Rush: A “Tactical Exit”?
The timing of the resignation has come under intense scrutiny. Records indicate that on the very day of his resignation, Sabarish Kumar applied for Terminal Surrender, a financial benefit provided to personal staff for their years of service.
The General Administration Department (GAD) moved with notable speed, issuing an official order on March 24 to approve the benefits. Under current norms:
Personal staff members are entitled to surrender one month’s salary for every year of service.
Having served since June 7, 2021, Sabarish Kumar is eligible for five months' salary as a terminal benefit.
Reports suggest the payout will amount to approximately ₹7 Lakhs.Opposition Allegations: “Writing on the Wall”
The Opposition has been quick to frame the move as a sign of desperation within the LDF camp. They allege that the early resignation and the rush to secure financial benefits indicate a lack of confidence in Minister Riyas’s re-election from the Beypore constituency.
"This is a clear sign that even those closest to the Minister have seen the writing on the wall," a senior Opposition leader remarked. "The haste to pocket nearly ₹7 lakhs in benefits before the election results are out suggests they don't expect to return to power."Social media has also been abuzz with debates, with many users questioning why a top official would exit mere weeks before the natural conclusion of the government’s term unless a defeat was anticipated.
