CPI(M) in Kerala slams Governor Khan for indulging in ‘unconstitutional activities’

CPI(M) State Secretary MV Govindan accused Governor Arif Mohammed Khan of indulging in “unconstitutional acts to implement the agenda of the Sangh Parivar.” File | Photo Credit: H VIBHU

The ruling CPI (M) in Kerala on Wednesday (December 25, 2024) expressed hope that the newly appointed Governor of the state, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, will act constitutionally and cooperate with the government, unlike Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, who has been transferred to his post. Bihar.

Criticizing Mr. Khan, who has been at loggerheads with the Left government on various issues, was accused by CPI(M) State Secretary MV Govindan of engaging in “unconstitutional activities to implement the agenda of the Sangh Parivar.”

His statement comes a day after President Draupadi Murmu issued orders to appoint new governors in states, including Manipur, Mizoram, Kerala and Bihar.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Govindan criticized the media for portraying Governor Khan as a person who is highly respected and approved by the public.

He said that some newspapers even praised Khan as the opposition rather than the opposition itself. “The leader of the CPI(M) says that this opinion of the media is caused by the efforts of Mr. Khan to fulfill the agenda of the Sangh Parivar while clashing with the Left government. “This method is considered very anti-human,” he said.

According to Mr. Govindan, the Governors must act according to the constitution, regardless of their political affiliation, whether they are affiliated with the Communists or the Congress parties. However, instead of adhering to constitutional norms, Governor Khan took unconstitutional positions, the CPI(M) leader said.

Mr. Govindan also pointed out that the actions of Mr. Khan’s withholding of approval of laws passed by the legislature and sending bills to the President during the intervention of the Supreme Court 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 say anything discriminatory about it.

The CPI(M) leader expressed his hope that the new Governor will act according to the constitution and cooperate with the government.

Meanwhile, BJP state president K. Surendran answered Mr. Govindan, saying his words about Mr. Khan was caused by the enmity of his party against 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 takes the role of the Governor, the misbehavior of Vijayan and Govindan will not be tolerated,” said Mr. Surendran told reporters.