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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the aftermath of Governor Arif Mohammed Khan’s extraordinary sit-in protest in Kerala’s Kollam, political tensions are on the rise as left parties and the Congress vehemently criticised him for what they perceive as an attempt to defame the state on the national stage.
The CPI(M), Congress, and IUML took a harsh stance against the governor, accusing him of engaging in a mere ‘show’ to tarnish the state’s image nationally. The unusual protests and the Home Ministry’s decision to provide Z+ security to the governor further intensified the conflict, with the state government expressing outrage over not being informed of the Centre’s security arrangement.
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While the state BJP rallied behind Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Union Minister V Muraleedharan criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for failing to provide security to the head of the state. The minister also questioned the police’s failure to offer adequate security to the governor.
V Muraleedharan defended the governor’s position, stating, “The only individuals who disagree with the Governor’s position are the members of the CPI(M) in Kerala.”
General Education Minister V Sivankutty, a senior CPM leader, questioned the governor’s mental state, claiming that his actions seemed peculiar. LDF convenor E P Jayarajan criticised Khan for attempting to generate anti-Kerala sentiments nationally and unleashed a scathing attack on his actions, questioning whether any governor had behaved similarly.
LSGD Minister M B Rajesh termed the governor’s action as part of a political agenda, emphasising that it wasn’t merely childish behaviour.
Meanwhile, the Congress labelled the incident in Nilamel as part of a political game, accusing the governor and the government of engaging in a cat-and-mouse game. Satheeshan, speaking to the media, stated, “The public will realise their political drama.”
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The series of incidents unfolded on January 27 when the governor, en route to an event at Sadanandapuram Ashramam in Kottarakkara, faced protests by SFI workers waving black flags. Khan, in a dramatic turn of events, sat on a chair in front of a tea shop, accusing the police of favouring the agitators.
In response, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticised the governor for attempting to defame the state through unconstitutional means, leading to heightened tensions between the state government and the governor. The Home Ministry is reportedly monitoring the situation closely and is expected to hold discussions to ensure that the law and order situation does not escalate in the state.
