**Title:** Kerala CM Defends IAS Officer Amid Online Backlash
**Meta Description:** Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan supports IAS officer Divya S Iyer after criticism for praising a CPI(M) leader, highlighting patriarchal attitudes.
**URL Slug:** kerala-cm-defends-ias-officer-divya-iyer
**Headline:** Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Stands by IAS Officer Divya S Iyer Amid Controversy
In a recent press conference, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan came to the defense of IAS officer Divya S Iyer, who faced significant online backlash for her commendation of KK Ragesh, a CPI(M) leader and former private secretary to Vijayan. Ragesh was recently appointed as the Kannur district secretary, and Iyer’s praise sparked criticism from various Congress leaders.
Vijayan characterized the backlash as indicative of a “patriarchal mindset,” suggesting that critics expected Iyer to align her views with those of her husband, Congress leader KS Sabarinadhan. Sabarinadhan, a former MLA and son of the late Congress veteran G Karthikeyan, also weighed in on the situation, acknowledging that while Iyer’s intentions were good, her public praise for a political figure could have been avoided.
In her social media post, Iyer expressed admiration for Ragesh’s tenure, stating, “This KKR (K K Ragesh) shield is enviable even to Karna (of Mahabharat). As a person who had watched his last three years of official life, there are several virtues which I could copy from his life. He is a textbook of loyalty, an inkwell of hard work.” She accompanied her remarks with a photograph of Ragesh alongside the Chief Minister.
The post quickly drew criticism from several Congress figures, including K Muraleedharan and Youth Congress Kannur district secretary Vijil Mohan. Muraleedharan accused Iyer of showing undue deference to the Chief Minister, warning that such behavior could have negative repercussions for her career. Vijil Mohan went further, alleging that Iyer’s comments breached civil service regulations and reminded her that her salary did not originate from the CPI(M) headquarters.
In response to the controversy, Iyer released a video clarifying her remarks and emphasizing their good intent. Chief Minister Vijayan echoed her sentiments, asserting that Iyer’s comments were made innocently in her official capacity. Ragesh also defended Iyer, criticizing those who targeted her for expressing positive sentiments about him.
This incident highlights ongoing discussions about gender expectations in politics and the scrutiny faced by women in public service roles. As the situation unfolds, it raises questions about the intersection of personal and professional identities in the political landscape.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What sparked the controversy surrounding IAS officer Divya S Iyer?**
A: Divya S Iyer faced backlash for praising KK Ragesh, a CPI(M) leader, which some critics interpreted as inappropriate given her husband’s political affiliation.
