K.C. Venugopal, MP and General Secretary of the Indian National Congress, criticized the Kerala government for allegedly making contentious backdoor appointments to the position of police Inspector. He claimed that individuals with ties to the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), who are bodybuilders, were given these positions against established recruitment standards. Venugopal argued that this move challenges the efforts of unemployed youth in Kerala who prepare for competitive exams conducted by the Kerala Public Service Commission.
He highlighted that bodybuilding is not considered a recognized sporting discipline for recruitment under the sports quota. Moreover, there is a specific directive stating that the role of police Inspector cannot be filled through direct sports quota appointments. Despite these regulations, the government purportedly ignored these guidelines in making these appointments.
Venugopal also questioned the age of the appointees, pointing out that the upper age limit for police recruitment is 25 years, while the appointed individuals are reportedly 40 and 38 years old. He criticized the alleged preferential treatment given to those associated with the CPI-M, allowing them to secure appointments without the need for written tests, interviews, or physical fitness assessments.
The Congress leader disclosed that the Cabinet had initially agreed last January to directly appoint these individuals, but the decision sparked controversy. Subsequently, a physical fitness test was conducted, during which one candidate reportedly failed. However, despite this failure, the government purportedly instructed the Kerala Police chief to appoint the candidate without conducting another test.
Venugopal claimed that the rush to issue this directive is due to the impending completion of the government’s tenure. He further alleged that over two lakh backdoor appointments have been made in the past decade, with key positions reportedly going to leaders of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and their spouses. Expressing concern that these appointments could become regularized if the current government remains in power, Venugopal stated that a United Democratic Front-led government would review these alleged illegal appointments to ensure justice for unemployed youth.
