Kerala Governor-SFI Row: Khan Takes On Students' Union, Says He Will Stay In University Campus

To attend various programmes later in the day, Khan was initially scheduled to stay at the government guest house in Kozhikode but announced a change of plans.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan (File Photo)

Shortly after activists from the SFI reportedly assaulted him, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan opted to remain at the Calicut University campus on Saturday, seemingly aiming to confront the pro-Left student union. Originally slated to lodge at the government guest house in Kozhikode for upcoming events, Khan altered his arrangements for the day, as reported by PTI.

"I was planning to stay at the government guest house. Then I was told that they (Students Federation of India) had said that they won't allow me to enter the university. Then I said change the programme and I will stay at the university campus itself," Khan told reporters in New Delhi.

The Governor said he would get out of the car in case the protestors reach the vehicle.

"If someone comes near my car, I will immediately stop it and get down. Why should they hit my car? They should hit me. If they have guts, they should hit me. They want to frighten me. I am not the one who can be frightened. They are bullying," Khan said.

He said the student organisation have changed their stance now, and they will only wave black flags from a distance.

"The political party has officially issued a statement saying the black flag will continue, but there will be no block. It means earlier they were blocking my way? That is a crime," the Governor said.

He asked if there would be permission granted for approaching the car of the chief minister.

On his recent route to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Students Federation of India (SFI) activists reportedly targeted Khan's vehicle, prompting him to exit the car.

The student union has been demonstrating against Khan's role as Chancellor of the universities and his nomination of BKP-ABVP activists as senate members in multiple universities.

The SFI, aligned with the ruling CPI(M), has accused Khan's actions of aligning with the saffronisation agenda of the BJP.