Kerala Governor VS CM: Arif Khan Accuses Pinarayi Vijayan Of Hiding ‘Crimes Against Nation,’ CPI(M) Hits Back

Kerala Governor Arif Khan expressed frustration over being left uninformed, asserting that it was the CM's responsibility to brief him on such serious matters.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Friday escalated his criticism of the state's Left-led government, accusing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of withholding crucial information about “crimes against the nation” occurring in the state. Khan expressed frustration over being left uninformed, asserting that it was the CM's responsibility to brief him on such serious matters.

In a statement to reporters, as per PTI, the Governor revealed that while the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) had been regularly visiting Raj Bhavan, they did so “without authorisation from the Chief Minister.” Khan declared that these officials would no longer be welcome at the Governor's residence. He also cited a recent letter from Vijayan, in which the CM reportedly denied using the terms 'anti-national' or 'anti-state' activities but conceded that 'crimes against the nation' were happening.

"What is a crime against the nation?" Khan asked, adding, "Should you (CM) not have briefed me? Was it not your duty? You have failed to do your duty," Khan contended.

Khan further claimed that despite sending a letter to the CM asking for details, Vijayan took 27 days to respond, and even then, provided no specific information. "The Chief Minister has something to hide," Khan stated, hinting at a deeper issue.

CPI(M) Hits Back: ‘Do Not Try to Scare Us’

In response, CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan dismissed the Governor's accusations and referred to him as a “caretaker Governor,” noting that Khan's five-year tenure officially ended on September 5.

Addressing the media, Govindan said Khan’s warnings of reporting the state government’s actions to the Centre and President were “empty threats.” He criticized the Governor for overstepping his role by summoning state officials and attempting to intimidate them.

"Sitting in the position of a caretaker Governor, he is acting in a wrong manner by summoning officials and threatening them. It is just a new method of a Governor who has in the past failed to perform his constitutional duties. So, 'do not try to scare us', is what we have to say to him," he said, as per the report.