Kannur Mayor alleges ‘backdoor appointments’ by Kerala govt under Central scheme, seeks ECI intervention

Alleging large-scale irregularities in appointments under a Central assistance scheme, Kannur Corporation Mayor P. Indira has accused the Kerala government of attempting to “plunder whatever remains from a sinking ship” in its final days in office, and demanded immediate intervention by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Referring to a government order dated March 26, 2026, the Mayor said the move pertains to recruitment under the scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) 2025-26. She alleged that the process involved completing selection procedures and preparing rank lists for appointing technical staff in urban local bodies and clusters on a one-year contract basis, incurring ₹27.16 lakh as recruitment expenses.

According to the order, municipalities with a population above 1 lakh are required to contribute ₹1.6 lakh each, while those below 1 lakh must provide ₹25,000 from their own funds to the Center for Management Development. The Mayor pointed out that this directive effectively shifts the financial burden onto local bodies without prior allocation of funds for the scheme.

Ms. Indira alleged that a total of 231 personnel have been appointed to six Corporations and 87 municipalities across Kerala through “backdoor means”, bypassing established recruitment norms. She termed the move a violation of the Model Code of Conduct and an encroachment on the powers of local self-government institutions.

She further said that no funds have been disbursed so far to urban local bodies for implementing these projects, even as the State government seeks financial contributions from them.

“This is a desperate attempt to push in-favourite candidates into municipal institutions in the final phase of governance,” she alleged.

‘Development funds due’

The Mayor also highlighted that the constitutionally mandated third installment of development funds due to local bodies has not yet been released, despite the financial year nearing its close.

She urged all municipalities to unite in protest against the decision and called upon the ECI to cancel the appointments, citing violation of election norms.

Stating that the public must recognise the “true face” of what she described as “organised loot”, Ms. Indira reiterated her demand for immediate corrective action “to safeguard the autonomy and financial stability of local bodies.”