The Students Federation of India (SFI) has filed a formal complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer, Kerala, against senior IAS officer B. Ashok for alleged breach of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, and the Model Code of Conduct currently in effect in the State.
The bureaucrat has been accused of attempting to influence voters and disparage the LDF government through a magazine article and during a prime-time television debate.
In his complaint, SFI State secretary Sanjeev P.S. cited a recent article authored by Dr. Ashok, who is currently Principal Secretary of Sainik Welfare Department, in a Malayalam magazine in which he reportedly suggests that any government remaining in power for a consecutive decade risks fostering fascism. He also stated that such trends must be resisted to preserve the integrity of democracy.
The SFI contends that such remarks are not merely academic, but represent a deliberate attempt by a sitting official to influence the electorate and display a clear anti-government bias.
Besides, while participating in a news channel debate, the IAS officer allegedly made political statements regarding the current administration and sensitive topics such as the Sabarimala issue.
The complaint highlights that while government employees are strictly mandated to maintain political neutrality, Dr. Ashok’s public statements and subsequent social media discussions serve as a partisan critique designed to sway public opinion. The complainant also claimed that other officials have faced suspension for social media posts favouring the government, Dr. Ashok’s overt criticisms have yet to be met with disciplinary action.
The SFI urged the Election Commission to initiate formal legal proceedings against the officer, failing which the situation could lead to “administrative anarchy” and encourage other officials to disregard service rules.
Published – March 29, 2026 07:03 pm IST
