Thiruvananthapuram, September 02 — In an unusual turn of events, Sarada Muralidharan, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Kerala, succeeding her husband, V Venu, who retired from the same post. This unique appointment has drawn significant attention across India, with many observing this seamless transition within the state's administrative leadership.

According to a report by India Today on Monday, V Venu, a 1990 batch IAS officer, concluded his career last Saturday. The Kerala government, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, appointed Sarada Muralidharan, also a 1990 batch IAS officer and V Venu's wife, as the new Chief Secretary on the same day her husband's term ended. 

Upon assuming her new role, Sarada was honoured with a garland by her predecessor and husband, V Venu, in a symbolic gesture marking the continuity of leadership. Prior to this appointment, Sarada Muralidharan served as the Additional Chief Secretary of Kerala. Despite being from the same IAS batch as her husband, Sarada is slightly younger than V Venu.

The appointment of Sarada Muralidharan as the Chief Secretary has sparked widespread interest, highlighting both the couple's long-standing careers in the civil service and the smooth administrative transition within the Kerala government.