In a noteworthy political development, former IAS officer Kannan Gopinathan formally joined the Indian National Congress on Monday at the party’s AICC headquarters in New Delhi. The induction ceremony saw the presence of senior Congress leaders, including General Secretary K C Venugopal and Pawan Khera.
Gopinathan, who belonged to the 2012 IAS batch, had resigned in 2019 as a principled protest against the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Known for his outspoken stance on sensitive issues, such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), he has also faced police custody for actively participating in protests.
Welcoming him into the Congress fold, Venugopal praised Gopinathan as “a fearless voice for democracy” and “a principled administrator.” He asserted, “His commitment to protecting the Constitution, freedom, and India’s inclusive social fabric will add strength to our movement.”
Gopinathan’s entry into the Congress camp is seen as a strategic gain for the party, bolstering its credentials on governance and democratic values. His administrative experience and vocal advocacy for constitutional rights are expected to energise the party’s efforts across the country.