What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
Even though the exact reasons for the governor’s refusal to read the policy address is unknown, many within the government cite the uneasiness and the indifferences between the ruling LDF government and the governor that could have led to the fallout in the assembly.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a first of its kind in the history, governor Arif Mohammed Khan completes the policy address in the Kerala assembly ahead of the budget session in 1.15 minutes by just reading the last paragraph of the 61-long-page speech leaving both the ruling and the opposition MLAs stunned.
Even though the exact reasons for the governor’s refusal to read the policy address is unknown, many within the government cite the uneasiness and the indifferences between the ruling LDF government and the governor that could have led to the fallout in the assembly.
ALSO READ: Amid governor vs. govt tension, CM Pinarayi urges Centre to recall Arif Khan
The governor’s speech was perhaps the most dramatic speech ever witnessed in the history where Arif Mohammed Khan did not come face-to-face with the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan while he was welcomed at the entrance of the assembly session and did not utter a word with the Chief minister while he left the assembly escorted by speaker AN Shamseer.
Khan, who reached the Assembly at 9 am, concluded the policy address before 9.02 am and left the House by 9.04. He began the address by greeting everyone in the House and then said, “I will now read the last para.”
“Let us remember that the great legacy lies not in buildings or governments but in the respect and regard we show to the priceless legacy of the Constitution of India and the timeless values of democracy, secularism, federalism and social justice,” the Governor said.
“The essence of cooperative federalism is what has kept our country united and strong all these years. It is our bounden duty to ensure that this essence is not diluted whether as part of this varied and beautiful nation, we will weave the tapestry of inclusive growth and responsible resilience overcoming all the challenges that are thrown our way. Jai Hind,” the Governor concluded.
Khan and the Left government have been at loggerheads over several issues, primarily about the functioning of universities in the state and his non-signing of certain bills passed by the Assembly.
ALSO READ: Pinarayi Vijayan reacts to Ram temple inauguration: Secularism is soul of India
“Governor’s move was nothing but undemocratic and is extremely shocking. The governor’s office has become a camp office for the past few months”, reacted CPI state secretary Binoy Vishwam to The New Indian.
The LDF government in Kerala has often accused the Union government of acting against federal and constitutional principles. Khan left the Assembly soon after the national anthem was played. Opposition UDF later tried to raise a point of order in the House saying the Governor hasn’t read the policy address. To which, the Speaker advised the Opposition legislators to go through the Assembly rules and procedures.
