CPI(M) in Kerala criticises Governor Khan for engaging in ‘unconstitutional actions’

CPI(M) criticizes former Governor Khan for unconstitutional actions, media portrayal, and hopes new Governor will collaborate constitutionally.

The ruling CPI(M) in Kerala on Wednesday (December 25, 2024) expressed hope that the newly appointed Governor of the state, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, would work constitutionally and collaborate with the government, unlike Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, who was transferred to Bihar.

Sharply criticising Mr. Khan, who had been at loggerheads with the Left government over various issues, CPI(M) State Secretary M.V. Govindan accused him of engaging in "unconstitutional actions to implement the agenda of the Sangh Parivar."

His statement comes a day after President Draupadi Murmu issued orders appointing new Governors for states, including Manipur, Mizoram, Kerala, and Bihar.

Talking to reporters, Mr. Govindan criticised the media for portraying Governor Khan as a highly respected figure with wide public approval.

He said that some newspapers even hailed Khan as a greater opposition figure than the opposition party itself. “The CPI(M) leader attributed this perception of the media to Mr. Khan’s efforts to implement the Sangh Parivar agenda while clashing with the Left government. “This approach is considered highly anti-people,” he said.

According to Mr. Govindan, Governors should act constitutionally, regardless of their political affiliations, whether they are associated with the Communist or Congress parties. However, instead of adhering to constitutional norms, Governor Khan took unconstitutional positions, the CPI(M) leader claimed.

Mr. Govindan further pointed out that Mr. Khan's actions such as withholding assent to laws passed by the legislature and sending bills to the President when the Supreme Court intervened were unprecedented.