Kerala: Congress ranks unhappy with Divya S. Iyer IAS praising Left leaders

In July 2024, during the ceremony to welcome the first mothership to Vizhinjam International Seaport, Divya S. Iyer IAS, Managing Director of Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited, lavished praise on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

 

“At a moment when Vizhinjam International Port marks a milestone in Kerala’s development history, the Chief Minister is here to affirm that this is a victory for the people of Kerala. We’ve moved past the era when major projects remained only on paper. The Chief Minister’s determination, willpower, and guidance are examples that inspire us to realise many seemingly impossible mega projects. Today, as Vizhinjam International Port opens its doors to the world, the Chief Minister stands as a pillar of strength and care for each of us,” said Iyer, who also hosted the event.

 

Unsurprisingly, a video of her remarks went viral—not only because she is a senior bureaucrat, but also because she is the spouse of K.S. Sabarinathan, former MLA and son of the late Congress leader G. Karthikeyan.

 

At the time, one of the strongest criticisms came from S. Sarin, then digital media convenor of the KPCC, who remarked on social media that Iyer should consult smart IAS officers who have worked under earlier governments to learn about visionary Chief Ministers of the past. “Such misunderstandings arise from lack of age and experience,” Sarin said, mocking Iyer. Ironically, Sarin is now aligned with the CPI(M) and has become a vocal admirer of the very CM he once critiqued.

 

Despite the backlash, Iyer remained unwavering in her admiration for Pinarayi Vijayan. In an interview published on a Malayalam digital platform in October 2024, she described him as an “unparalleled ruler,” a view she said stemmed from her own professional experience.

 

Now, Iyer has stirred controversy once again—this time, not by directly praising the CM, but by lauding his former private secretary, KK Ragesh, following his appointment to a key organisational post in the CPI(M). “Even Karnan would feel jealous of this ‘KKR’ armour,” she wrote in a social media post that drew wide attention. Notably, she also tagged #pinarayivijayan in the post.

 

This time, Congress leaders responded with sharper criticism. “Divya S. Iyer is one of those civil service officers who serve at the Chief Minister’s feet,” said senior Congress leader K. Muraleedharan. “Let her flatter all she wants… but if she crosses a line, it could cost her dearly.” Youth Congress Kannur district president Vijil Mohanan added, “She’s not drawing her salary from the CPI(M) headquarters.”

 

While Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan refrained from commenting publicly, party insiders confirmed growing resentment within Congress ranks. Meanwhile, Sabarinathan himself had come up with a statement, describing his spouse’s remarks as “a lapse in judgment, particularly in congratulating someone who had received a political appointment.”

 

Notably, the episode also triggered cyberbullying against Iyer, allegedly orchestrated by Congress-affiliated social media groups. The larger question, however, remains: what is this IAS officer attempting by setting a pattern of public praise for the political leadership in the state?

India