As the BJP maneuvers to harass and defeat the Marxist government of Tripura, Kerala's Marxist government has escalated its lingering cold war with the central government to get even with the BJP. But in the process, it has rather unwisely exposed its flanks for sharp public criticisms. Its appointment of DGP Loknath Behera as the state Vigilance Director has raised the eyebrows not only in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs but also in Kerala's political circles. The Chief Minister's Office has maintained that it's the prerogative of the state government to appoint an officer to a post. However, according to answers furnished against an RTI query, the state government is mandated to select the state vigilance chief in consultation with the MHA. According to the precedents, a state DGP or any senior official can't simultaneously function as state vigilance chief. According to rules, the Vigilance Department should not remain headless for more than six months and the additional charge, if given to an officer, should not exceed the term of six months. But in Kerala, it's about a year since a single officer is serving as both the state police chief and Vigilance Director. In 11 months, the temporary vigilance chief has closed many cases rather mysteriously. It is said that since Loknath Behera took over as the state police chief, a total of 13 vigilance cases against 'influential' persons, including state ministers, were dropped citing lack of evidence. In all the cases, the vigilance had submitted a report to the Vigilance Courts favoring the accused persons. Ministers Kadakampally Surendran and J Mercykutty Amma were among those who were acquitted by the court on grounds of lack of evidence. Besides, the sudden transfer of officers entrusted with the investigation into key cases has led to fingers being pointed at Behera.