Thiruvananthapuram, April 3 – At a time when senior bureaucrats are often perceived as distant and inaccessible, a quiet administrative shift by top election officials is earning widespread praise in Kerala.
At the heart of this are Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar and his deputy, P. B. Nooh, whose hands-on and accessible approach during the ongoing election process is being widely appreciated.
Since the election schedule was announced, Kelkar, Nooh, and their team have been working tirelessly, but what stands out is not just their efficiency; it is their openness.
Citizens say that both officers remain directly reachable, even on WhatsApp, promptly responding to queries and grievances, a rarity in the higher echelons of administration.
Two recent instances illustrate this shift. In one case, the family of a 94-year-old woman who had opted for home voting was left distressed when a Booth Level Officer (BLO) visited her residence in her absence.
The devout Christian had stepped out to attend Good Friday service at her church.
The BLO reportedly informed the family that it would not be possible to return, effectively denying her the opportunity to vote.
When the issue was brought to the attention of Nooh, he acted immediately.
Even before a formal response could be conveyed, the BLO contacted the family again, assuring them that the visit would be rescheduled that evening, ensuring that the elderly voter's franchise was protected.
In another instance, a school principal seeking urgent clarification on the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct reached out to Kelkar.
The response came within minutes. Known for his ease in speaking Malayalam, Kelkar's prompt intervention resolved the confusion, much to the relief of the institution.
Such interactions are increasingly being cited as examples of a more citizen-centric election machinery.
By combining administrative rigor with personal accessibility, Kerala's election leadership is not only ensuring smoother conduct of polls but also redefining how governance can remain both efficient and empathetic at the highest levels.
Kerala goes to the polls on April 9 to elect 140 new legislators.