The ruling CPI(M) in Kerala on Wednesday expressed hope that the state’s newly appointed Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar will act constitutionally and cooperate with the government unlike Bihar’s transferred Governor Arif Mohammad Khan.
Criticizing 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, 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 media perception to Khan’s efforts to implement the Sangh Parivar’s agenda while clashing with the Left government. “This approach is considered highly anti-people,” he said.
According to Govindan, governors should act constitutionally 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.
Govindan further pointed out that Khan’s actions, such as blocking the assent to legislation passed by the legislature and sending the bill 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 hit back at Govindan, saying his comments against 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 will not allow the irregularities that Vijayan and Govindan did,” Surendran told reporters.
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