Power Minister Sunny Joseph remained silent in the Kerala Assembly amid opposition criticism over the appointment of his brother-in-law, Benny Thomas, to his personal staff. The controversy arose after Benny Thomas, a Congress leader and the minister’s relative, was appointed as Additional Private Secretary.

The issue was raised by V Joy while moving an adjournment motion on the large-scale transfer of government employees. Although Sunny Joseph responded on behalf of the government in the absence of Chief Minister V D Satheesan, who was attending the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, he did not address questions regarding his relative’s appointment.

Defending the transfer process, the minister described the postings as routine administrative decisions. He cited the previous government's position on employee transfers and presented details of transfers involving Congress-affiliated union members during the LDF administration, arguing that the UDF would follow its own policy approach.

Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, however, alleged that the transfers were politically motivated. He claimed that employees were being selectively shifted based on recommendations from pro-government service organisations, with some nearing retirement being moved to far-off locations. He also alleged that disciplinary action was being taken against employees over their social media activities.

After the government declined to suspend Assembly proceedings for a detailed discussion on the matter, opposition members staged a walkout in protest.