Ex-Kerala Chief Sec: CEC Gyanesh Kumar 'Suggested' BJP Ticket!
Ex-Kerala Chief Sec: CEC Gyanesh Kumar 'Suggested' BJP Ticket!
Explosive claims! Former Kerala Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson says current CEC Gyanesh Kumar "suggested" he run on a BJP ticket in 2019. Dive into the political controversy. #KeralaPolitics
Former Kerala Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson has ignited a political firestorm with his recent revelation that Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, then a central bureaucrat, had suggested he contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket. This disclosure, made on Saturday, has stirred significant debate, especially given Mr. Kumar's current high-profile role.
Mr. Thomson recounted the conversation, which took place during a flight to Delhi between 2015 and 2016. At the time, Mr. Thomson was nearing the end of his tenure as Kerala's Chief Secretary.
He stated that Mr. Kumar inquired about his post-retirement plans, to which Mr. Thomson replied he had none.
It was then that Mr. Kumar reportedly suggested he consider contesting from the Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha constituency for the BJP.
According to Mr. Thomson, Mr. Kumar's reasoning for the suggestion was clear:
You are a good speaker; you can actually enter politics and you have a very good chance of getting elected.
Furthermore, Mr.
Kumar allegedly highlighted that belonging to a minority community would make it easier for Mr.
Thomson to secure a Cabinet berth, noting that the BJP was actively seeking Christian candidates in Kerala at the time.
However, Mr. Thomson promptly declined the suggestion, stating, "I am not too ambitious." He has since clarified that he viewed the exchange as a "friendly suggestion" rather than a formal "offer," especially after his initial remarks sparked controversy. Mr. Thomson emphasized his disinterest in pursuing a political career, preferring to focus on his charitable organization, Bhaavika, which runs a free student enrichment program.
The former Chief Secretary's claims have put the spotlight on CEC Gyanesh Kumar, who has yet to respond to the allegations. The timing of the revelation, particularly with elections often on the horizon, adds another layer of intrigue to the political landscape.
Mr. Thomson also briefly addressed speculations about a potential senior government posting if the UDF were to return to power in the state, reiterating his commitment to his charitable work over political aspirations.
#KeralaPolitics #GyaneshKumar #JijiThomson #BJPKerala #LokSabha2019
