Kerala-BJP Clash Over External Cooperation Matters Escalates

The BJP accused Kerala's government of appointing an IAS officer as a 'foreign secretary,' which the state denied, citing a 2016 Lok Sabha document referencing a division promoting exports and tourism. Kerala's Left government insists that 'External Cooperation' aims to improve coordination with foreign entities for development, not diplomatic relations.

The BJP has accused the Kerala government of appointing an IAS officer as a 'foreign secretary', a claim the state vehemently denies. The controversy began after the Kerala government assigned 'External Cooperation' duties to an IAS officer, which the BJP criticized as unconstitutional and against federal principles.

In response, the state's Left government referred to a 2016 Lok Sabha document showing a similar division created by the BJP-led central government to enhance states' exports, tourism, and foreign investment capacities. The Kerala government maintains that the 'External Cooperation' role is meant to facilitate better coordination with international delegates for the state's development.

The state government stressed that its efforts aim to foster new relationships for Kerala's growth and are not intended to interfere with central government diplomatic activities. However, BJP leaders argue that such appointments could destabilize the state's already fragile financial situation and harm national unity.