THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following a historic overhaul of the organizational structure in the Kerala Police department by the Home Department, ruling and opposition service unions have jumped into the arena to seize control of the newly formed associations.
The state government has merged and streamlined the existing three police associations into two distinct bodies:
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Kerala Police Association (KPA)
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Kerala Police Senior Officers Association (KPSOA)
This restructuring has triggered an intense power struggle between CPM-backed and Congress-backed organizations, both eager to establish complete dominance over the force.
The Ajith Formula and Government Approval
The overhaul comes in the wake of recommendations submitted by prominent service union leader G.R. Ajith, who aimed to resolve structural flaws and long-standing organizational disputes among upper-tier officers.
Based on recommendations from the Director General of Police (DGP), Additional Chief Secretary Minhaj Alam issued an official government order formally approving the formula proposed by G.R. Ajith.
End of KPOA Era and Asset Division
With this order, the decade-old Kerala Police Officers Association (KPOA) ceases to exist. Key decisions regarding assets and infrastructure include:
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Asset & Fund Division: The bank accounts and assets of the erstwhile KPOA will be split between the KPA and KPSOA in a 60:40 ratio.
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Headquarters: The former statewide headquarters office of KPOA will now serve as the official headquarters of the newly established KPSOA.
Battle for KPSOA: The Strategic Core
While control over both associations is crucial, the battle for the newly created Kerala Police Senior Officers Association (KPSOA) is expected to be the most fierce.
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Membership Scope: The KPSOA comprises mid-to-senior field officers ranging from Sub-Inspectors (SI) up to Non-IPS Superintendants of Police (SP).
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Why Control Matters: This cadre includes Station House Officers (SHOs) and Deputy Superintendants of Police (DySPs)—the key executive officers managing day-to-day law enforcement and station-level operations. Controlling this body offers significant political leverage over daily police administration and key decision-making processes, making it a matter of prestige for both political fronts.
Association Ranks Breakdown
Under the new order, the membership breakdown is structured as follows:
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Kerala Police Association (KPA): Civil Police Officers (CPO) up to Grade Sub-Inspectors (Grade SI).
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Kerala Police Senior Officers Association (KPSOA): Sub-Inspectors (SI) up to Non-IPS Superintendants of Police (SP).
To ensure smooth membership verification and election procedures, ad-hoc committees are being set up at both state and district levels under the direct supervision of the DGP.
Election Mandate and Political Maneuvering
Strict directives have been issued to complete unit, district, and state-level elections for both organizations by September 30, 2026.
Because the upcoming election results will decide who helms the organizational governance of the force for the next two years, both CPM-leaning Police Association leaders and Congress-leaning KPAEU leaders have intensified their behind-the-scenes strategy to secure a victory.
