CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan accused Governor Arif Mohammad Khan of engaging in “unconstitutional acts to implement the agenda of the Sangh Parivar”. File | Photo credit: H VIBHU
On Wednesday (December 25, 2024), the ruling CPI(M) in Kerala expressed hope that the state’s newly appointed Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar would act constitutionally and cooperate with the government unlike Governor Arif Mohammad Khan. Bihar.
Criticizing Mr Khan, who has been at loggerheads with the Left government on various issues, CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan accused him of indulging in “unconstitutional acts to implement the agenda of the Sangh Parivar”.
His statement came a day after President Draupadi Murmu issued orders appointing new governors for states including Manipur, Mizoram, Kerala and Bihar.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Govindan criticized the media for portraying Governor Khan as a highly respected figure with widespread public approval.
He said some newspapers also hailed Khan as a bigger opposition figure than the opposition party. “The CPI(M) leader attributed this perception of the media to Mr Khan’s attempt to implement the Sangh Parivar’s agenda in a clash with the Left government. “This approach is considered highly anti-people,” he said.
According to Mr. Govindan, governors should act constitutionally regardless of their political affiliation, whether they belong to the Communist or Congress parties. However, instead of following constitutional norms, Governor Khan took unconstitutional positions, the CPI(M) leader claimed.
Mr. Govindan further pointed out that Mr. Khan’s actions such as blocking approval of laws passed by the legislature and sending bills to the President when the Supreme Court intervened were unprecedented.
When asked about the appointment of the new governor, he said that the selection of the governor was based on the RSS-BJP system but clarified that he did not make any prejudicial comments about it.
The CPN leader expressed hope that the new governor would work constitutionally and cooperate with the government.
Meanwhile, BJP state president K. Surendran responded to Mr. Govindan, saying that his comments against Mr. Khan stemmed from his party’s animosity towards him.
Surendran added that the CPI(M) and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had a lot to answer for during Khan’s five-year tenure as Kerala governor.
“Whoever assumes the role of Governor, the irregularities committed by Vijayan and Govindan will not be allowed,” Mr. Surendran told reporters.
published – Dec 25, 2024 06:06 pm IST