Former Chief Secretary Gigi Thomson Says CEC Gyanesh Kumar Asked Him to Contest 2019 LS Polls on BJP Ticket

Thiruvananthapuram: Former Chief Secretary Gigi Thomson has made serious allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, claiming that Kumar had once asked him whether he would contest an election on a BJP ticket and told him that he could become a Union minister if he won.

Speaking to a malayalam news channel, Thomson said Gyanesh Kumar had suggested that he join the BJP after retiring as chief secretary and contest the election on a BJP ticket in teh 2019 Lok Sabha Polls. The CEC allegedly told him that winning the election would pave the way for a Union ministerial position.

Gigi Thomson said he had replied that he was not interested in contesting elections and rejected the suggestion.

According to him, the conversation took place during a flight to Delhi in 2016, while he was still in service. He said he was surprised that Gyanesh Kumar had made such an offer and questioned why Kumar was the person making such a proposal. Gigi Thomson said he ultimately declined the offer.

The new information has triggered further demands for the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation.