An unusual transfer incident in the State Information and Public Relations Department (PRD) has stirred conversations in administrative and political circles. Forest Minister Shibu Baby John expressed dissatisfaction with the appointment of an officer who previously served in former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s office. A.C. Abhilash, a senior PRD officer who worked in the Public Relations wing of the former Chief Minister’s Office for nearly a decade, was removed from the post of Forest Department Public Relations Officer (PRO) just five days after his appointment.
The quick reversal of Abhilash’s appointment, followed by his second transfer order within five days, is considered highly uncommon within the department. Initially, the PRD had issued an order appointing Abhilash as the Forest Department PRO. However, before he could settle into the new role, another order was issued transferring him to a different responsibility. Abhilash was responsible for media coordination and public relations activities during Pinarayi Vijayan’s tenure.
This development has raised eyebrows as reversals of PRO transfers and postings within days are seldom seen unless there are significant administrative reasons. The sudden nature of this move has led to speculation within government circles regarding potential political or internal departmental influences. Despite the lack of an official explanation from the government about the transfer, the speed of action – appointing and transferring an officer within five days – has sparked considerable discussion within official circles.
Engineer-turned-politician John, who has had disagreements with Vijayan on multiple occasions, has been at the center of attention. Recently, after a third death from a wild elephant attack was reported, Vijayan criticized John. In response, John highlighted that he had only recently assumed office as Minister, emphasizing that both the elephants and Forest Department officials were the same during Vijayan’s tenure.
