Kerala's Governor, Arif Mohammed Khan, created a stir by refusing police security and taking an unexpected stroll along Kozhikode's SM Street, signaling a direct challenge to the state government and law enforcement. Stepping out of his car, the Governor engaged with locals, interacted with school children, and traversed the iconic Sweetmeat Street, warmly welcomed by shopkeepers and citizens alike.
Despite his refusal of police security, a substantial police force was deployed, surrounding the Governor as he walked. Addressing the media at Calicut University, Khan expressed his decision to withdraw police protection, praising Kerala's police force while criticizing constraints placed on them. He highlighted their restricted actions against protesters and accused the Chief Minister of interfering with law enforcement, attributing diluted prosecution orders to the CM's directives.
In a pointed jab at the Chief Minister, Khan alleged threats from SFI activists, insinuating a connection between the violence in Kannur and attempts to intimidate him. Moreover, he raised concerns about the appointment of carpenters at Calicut University, suggesting partisan influence in these decisions and emphasizing his duty as Chancellor to protect university autonomy.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan swiftly condemned the Governor's actions, urging central government intervention to prevent what he deemed a disruption of the federal system. Vijayan criticized the Governor for allegedly directing police to remove SFI banners at the university, dismissing it as an insult to his hometown, Kannur.
Vijayan's strong remarks aimed to curtail what he perceived as the Governor overstepping his authority and potentially disrupting the balance of power between the central and state governments. He urged central intervention to mitigate the escalating tensions between the Governor's office and the state government.
The unprecedented walk by the Governor reflects heightened political tensions in Kerala, with clashes emerging between the Governor's office and the ruling state administration. The standoff between these key figures indicates potential challenges ahead, prompting calls for central intervention to mediate and stabilize the fraught relationship between the Governor and the state government.
Kerala's Governor, Arif Mohammed Khan, created a stir by refusing police security and taking an unexpected stroll along Kozhikode's SM Street, signaling a direct challenge to the state government and law enforcement. Stepping out of his car, the Governor engaged with locals, interacted with school children, and traversed the iconic Sweetmeat Street, warmly welcomed by shopkeepers and citizens alike.
Despite his refusal of police security, a substantial police force was deployed, surrounding the Governor as he walked. Addressing the media at Calicut University, Khan expressed his decision to withdraw police protection, praising Kerala's police force while criticizing constraints placed on them. He highlighted their restricted actions against protesters and accused the Chief Minister of interfering with law enforcement, attributing diluted prosecution orders to the CM's directives.
In a pointed jab at the Chief Minister, Khan alleged threats from SFI activists, insinuating a connection between the violence in Kannur and attempts to intimidate him. Moreover, he raised concerns about the appointment of carpenters at Calicut University, suggesting partisan influence in these decisions and emphasizing his duty as Chancellor to protect university autonomy.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan swiftly condemned the Governor's actions, urging central government intervention to prevent what he deemed a disruption of the federal system. Vijayan criticized the Governor for allegedly directing police to remove SFI banners at the university, dismissing it as an insult to his hometown, Kannur.
Vijayan's strong remarks aimed to curtail what he perceived as the Governor overstepping his authority and potentially disrupting the balance of power between the central and state governments. He urged central intervention to mitigate the escalating tensions between the Governor's office and the state government.
The unprecedented walk by the Governor reflects heightened political tensions in Kerala, with clashes emerging between the Governor's office and the ruling state administration. The standoff between these key figures indicates potential challenges ahead, prompting calls for central intervention to mediate and stabilize the fraught relationship between the Governor and the state government.
