Kannan Gopinathan, a former IAS officer, joined Congress on Monday. He attended an event in the national capital with Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal and party leader Pawan Khera. Gopinathan surrendered his benefits to challenge the limits set in Jammu and Kashmir after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.
Abrogating Article 370 might be a choice of the Government. But if you choose to shut down a whole state, lock up all writers, MPs, and former CMs, and cut off transport, communication, and the internet, is that fair?
This is an address not fair for me but for all us. Can this be right in a law-based country? Ought not voices have been raised against this? "I still support that address," Gopinathan said after joining Congress.
Congress Common Secretary KC Venugopal said it was a joyful moment. He welcomed Kannan Gopinathan, a brave bureaucrat. Gopinathan cares deeply for the oppressed and has fought for justice, love, and warmth. Now, he is joining Congress.
Congress is the only party fighting for justice in this country. He resigned from the Civil Services in 2019, but his resignation has not been accepted. Bureaucrats who advocate for justice and marginalized people face punishment from the system. Even CJI is not saved. This is the time to rise and battle against this divisive motivation," Venugopal said.
Who Is Kannan Gopinathan?
Kannan Gopinathan is a previous Indian Administrative Service Benefit officer and an extremist from Kerala. He surrendered his benefits to challenge the limits set in Jammu and Kashmir after the repeal of Article 370 in August 2019.
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Born in the Kottayam area of Kerala, Gopinathan had his early instruction in Palakkad some time before moving to Kottayam. Gopinathan focused on Electrical and Hardware design at the Birla Institute of Innovation in Mesra, Ranchi. He is married to Himani Pathak, a program designer, whom he met during his volunteering days in Noida.
2012 Bunch AGMUT Cadre
Gopinathan joined the IAS in 2012 in the AGMUT cadre. He gained attention for his unusual letter to the chairperson of the State Bank of India. In it, he requested an ATM in the remote area of Hnahthial, Mizoram.
Gopinathan is recognized for his role in Mizoram, including as Area Judge of Aizawl. He launched disaster management tools, school revival programs, and youth interventions. In 2018, Gopinathan worked at relief camps in flood-hit Kerala, his home state.
After he renounced his position, Gopinathan became a vocal critic of government policies. He spoke out about Kashmir, human rights, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and other issues.
He was one of the driving figures amid the dissent against the Act. Gopinathan was placed in several locations, including Mumbai, Agra, and Prayagraj. This was to keep him from participating in contests and giving talks.
The government asked Gopinathan to report for duty again in April 2020. He refused, saying he was ready to help with the COVID-19 crisis and would not return to the IAS.
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He faced an FIR under several sections of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, and the Indian Penal Code. This action followed a government complaint about his refusal to return to duty. The government also started disciplinary procedures against Gopinathan for violating service rules.
Why He Resigned?
In 2019, the Union government carried out the abrogation of Article 370. The region faced tough measures. There were communication blackouts, movement restrictions, and the arrests of political leaders.
Gopinathan viewed these moves as undemocratic. He felt that no justification existed for shutting down state functions. He believed that people must raise their voices. Thus, he chose to resign. His resignation was not accepted immediately by the government.
Later, when asked to rejoin service in 2020 during the COVID-19 crisis, he declined. He said he would help as a volunteer but not rejoin the IAS. They initiated disciplinary action. An FIR was filed against him under various laws.
His Public Work and Views
After leaving the service, Gopinathan became vocal in the public domain. He spoke on human rights, democracy, and constitutional safeguards. During the anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) protests, he became an active voice. Authorities detained him in several cities for his activism. He also participated in public debates. He maintained that, in a democracy, no one can silence dissent.
The Challenges Ahead
Joining a political party brings new demands. We need public accountability, party discipline, electoral work, and mass contact.
Gopinathan will need to translate his principled stance into political action. They will test him on policy, alliance strategies, and constituency work.
He may face skepticism from those who view bureaucrats entering politics with doubt. Some may question whether ideals will survive in rough electoral contests. He must also navigate internal party dynamics. Gaining space and influence in a major party is not easy.
Conclusion
Kannan Gopinathan’s shift from being a civil servant to a political actor is significant. It marks a meeting point between idealism and power. His joining Congress comes six years after his dramatic resignation. The focus now will be on his role and performance in politics. Will his ideals guide his path? Or will the pressures of politics demand compromises? Only time will tell.
But his entry has already stirred public debate. It is under close observation. He has been accepted by Congress with open arms. The challenge is now to deliver on his promise of defending democracy and justice.
