Heads of some State cultural institutions in Kerala have shown reluctance to step down from their posts despite a direction from the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government to their appointees to vacate after the change in government. Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) chairperson K. Madhu is yet to resign.

According to sources in the Culture department and the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, the film body’s chairperson Resul Pookutty and vice-chairperson Kukku Parameswaran tendered their resignation only two days ago after much delay. When The Hindu asked Mr. Pookutty on Friday (May 22, 2026) whether he has submitted his resignation or intends to continue in the post, he said he did not want to comment. According to sources in the KSFDC, Mr. Madhu was in office on Friday. 

Rumours have been circulating over the past few days that at least some of the current institution heads are seeking an extended tenure.

Minister for Cultural Affairs P.C. Vishnunadh told The Hindu that quite a few of the institution heads have submitted their resignations over the past couple of days.

“As per the information I have, almost every culture institution head except the KSFDC chairperson have submitted their resignation. Some names have come up as suggestions to take up these posts. A decision will be taken only after discussions and considering the opinion of the Chief Minister,” said Mr.Vishnunadh.

In the past, whenever there have been changes in government, most of the political appointees used to immediately vacate their posts. Poet and writer K. Satchidanandan had resigned from his post as president of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi on May 8, soon after the Assembly election results were declared. Vice-president Ashokan Charuvil had also stepped down from his position. Mr. Satchidanandan had said that it was “natural” that people holding similar posts vacate them following a change in government.