# Kelkar takes charge as Kerala CM secretary, opposition attacks 2026-08-08T13:22:36+00:00 | Politics | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Millenniumpost reports that senior IAS officer Rathan U Kelkar assumed charge as secretary to Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Sunday, triggering fresh attacks from the CPI(M), CPI and the BJP. The BJP termed the appointment 'opportunistic politics' and demanded a response from Rahul Gandhi. CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan accused the Congress of double standards, pointing to Rahul Gandhi's earlier criticism of similar appointments in BJP-ruled states like West Bengal. AICC general secretary K C Venugopal avoided direct comment, calling the decision administrative. The CMO released photographs of Kelkar taking charge, a day after the government transferred the former CEO to the post. ## Coverage - millenniumpost.in Tags: BJP, Congress, CPI(M), Kerala, political controversy, Rathan U Kelkar Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/kelkar-takes-charge-as-kerala-cm-secretary-opposition-attacks/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/kelkar-takes-charge-as-kerala-cm-secretary-opposition-attacks/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.