THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As Kerala holds its breath for the assembly election results on May 4, a major stir has erupted within the corridors of power at the Secretariat. KM Abraham, the Principal Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and a central figure in the LDF administration, has already prepared his resignation letter to avoid the ignominy of being forcibly removed by a potential incoming UDF government.
A Pre-emptive Strike to Save Face
KM Abraham, often referred to as Pinarayi Vijayan’s “Shadow Chief Minister,” has wielded immense influence over the state’s bureaucracy and key developmental projects. However, with political analysts and internal assessments suggesting a strong wave in favor of the United Democratic Front (UDF), Abraham is reportedly playing a “safe game.”
Sources indicate that the veteran official has been advised to step down gracefully before the official results are declared. The move is seen as a strategic attempt to preempt an inevitable “termination notice” that a new UDF cabinet would likely issue as one of its first administrative acts.
Clinging to KIIFCON?
While Abraham appears ready to relinquish high-profile roles such as the CEO of KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board) and the Vice-Chairman of K-DISC, insiders suggest he is not ready to disappear from the administrative landscape entirely.
There are active behind-the-scenes maneuvers to ensure he retains his position at the helm of KIIFCON (KIIFB Consultancy). Even if he loses his overarching bureaucratic “Super Power” status, staying on as a consultant would allow him to maintain a foothold in the state’s infrastructure sector.
The Fall of the ‘Super Power’
During the LDF’s tenure, KM Abraham’s authority often superseded that of other senior IAS officers, making him a polarizing figure in Kerala politics. The opposition UDF has been vocal about his role in various controversial projects and has hinted at a complete overhaul of the CM’s office if they take charge.
If the LDF faces defeat on May 4, Abraham’s exit will mark the end of an era of unprecedented centralized power within the Chief Minister’s Office. For now, the Secretariat remains abuzz with speculation as the state’s most powerful bureaucrat prepares for a quiet exit.
