Congress Leader Levels Serious Data Breach Allegations Against Kerala CMO
In a significant development, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has launched a scathing attack on the Kerala Chief Minister's Office (CMO), accusing it of compromising the privacy of thousands of women enrolled in the state's Sthree Suraksha Scheme. The allegations, made on Friday, center on the alleged leaking of sensitive beneficiary data to a private agency for electoral purposes.
Specific Allegations and Evidence Presented
Chennithala specifically named Seeram Sambasiva Rao, an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at the CMO, accusing him of violating established data protection protocols. To substantiate his claims, the veteran Congress leader produced a letter dated February 7, 2026, which purportedly establishes a direct link between the CMO and the unauthorized access of confidential information.
The alleged data breach involves a comprehensive range of personal identifiers, including names, mobile numbers, ages, and detailed location data such as district, taluk, and ward information. According to Chennithala, this sensitive data was shared without the consent of the beneficiaries and handed over to a Mumbai-based private agency.
Electoral Misuse and Privacy Violations
"The information was shared without the consent of the beneficiaries and handed over to a Mumbai-based private agency. This agency allegedly utilized the data to execute large-scale election campaigns and bulk messaging via social media platforms," Chennithala stated emphatically. He termed the act a "blatant case of data theft," arguing that the CMO is harvesting the data to create a targeted "mass communication vehicle" for the ruling LDF ahead of the upcoming assembly polls.
"The state government is directly responsible for this massive compromise of citizens' privacy," Chennithala declared, questioning the legal framework under which a private entity was granted access to government-held data. He demanded immediate accountability and transparency from the administration.
Context of the Sthree Suraksha Scheme
The Sthree Suraksha Scheme is a crucial social security initiative designed to empower women aged 35 to 60 years, particularly focusing on the unemployed and those in vulnerable situations. The scheme offers:
- Financial assistance
- Comprehensive support services
- Protection against violence or exploitation
Applicants are required to register via the K-SMART application, making the alleged breach a severe violation of trust for a program intended to provide safety and security.
Pattern of Allegations and Judicial Observations
These fresh allegations follow Chennithala's earlier charge that personal data of government employees and pensioners was sought by an OSD in the CMO to circulate messages highlighting the state government's achievements. The timing of these accusations coincides with sharp observations from the Kerala High Court.
On Tuesday, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas remarked that bulk WhatsApp messages sent to government employees and members of the judiciary via the CMO appeared to be a clear "intrusion into privacy." The court was hearing a petition alleging that phone numbers and email IDs were unlawfully extracted from the SPARK (Service and Payroll Administrative Repository for Kerala) portal, which serves as the primary database for government employees' salaries and service records.
Government Response and Ongoing Controversy
As of now, the CMO has yet to provide a detailed rebuttal to the specific evidence presented by Chennithala. The lack of an immediate response has fueled further controversy and raised questions about data governance and privacy safeguards within the state administration.
The allegations highlight growing concerns about the misuse of sensitive citizen data for political purposes, potentially setting the stage for a major political and legal confrontation in Kerala. The Congress leader's accusations underscore the urgent need for robust data protection mechanisms and transparent governance practices.
