Kerala power minister Sunny Joseph defends appointment of kin in personal staff

Thiruvananthapuram: Power minister and KPCC president Sunny Joseph has defended the appointment of his brother-in-law Benny Thomas to his personal staff, asserting that the selection was based on the latter’s political experience and track record rather than family ties.Responding to the controversy surrounding the appointment, Joseph said Thomas was chosen because of his long-standing involvement in public and political activities and not because he is a relative. He also denied the reports that there was criticism from the party functionaries in the KPCC executive committee meeting over this appointment.“There is no formal recruitment process involving applications, examinations or interviews for appointments to a minister’s personal staff,” the minister said. He described the controversy as ‘unfortunate’ and maintained that there are no legally prescribed eligibility or disqualification criteria for such appointments. According to him, the decision rests with the minister concerned.Joseph noted that he had openly acknowledged his relationship with Thomas and had not attempted to conceal it. He described Thomas as an active party worker who had served as a chief election agent and had an impressive record in political and organizational activities.“He is someone I trust and a person acceptable to me. I appointed him because of his experience in public life and because I believe he can help ensure the effective functioning of my office as a minister,” Joseph said.The minister added that he had not expected such strong criticism from sections of the media. He also pointed out that even the leader of the opposition had not criticized the appointment during discussions in the assembly.Meanwhile, KPCC vice-president and tourism minister P C Vishnunadh dismissed reports that Joseph had faced criticism over the appointment at the party meeting. He described such reports as baseless and said no criticism had been raised against the KPCC president in the meeting.