The appointment of senior IAS officer Dr Rathan U Kelkar as Secretary to Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan has triggered a political controversy, with the BJP and CPI(M) questioning the propriety of the move soon after Kelkar oversaw the state Assembly elections as Chief Electoral Officer.While the Kerala government insists there has been no violation of procedure, Opposition parties have invoked Rahul Gandhi’s earlier criticism of a similar appointment in West Bengal.The controversy has also brought renewed focus on Kelkar’s administrative career, including his anti-encroachment drive in Idukki, role in Kerala’s Covid response and contributions to the state’s e-governance initiatives.