Kerala: SFI Displays 'Unwelcoming' Banners Against Governor Ahead Of His Visit To Ponnani

Arif Mohammed Khan was also met with protests on Tuesday from various youth organizations affiliated with the ruling Left Democratic Front during his visit to Thodupuzha in Idukki district.

During a traders' event, Khan emphasized that he functions as a public servant and not merely as a rubber stamp.

A day after the black flag protest in Thrissur, Student Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of CPI(M), erected unwelcoming banners against Governor Arif Mohammed Khan at Ponnani in north Kerala on Wednesday. The Governor was scheduled to attend a program organised by the Congress party to commemorate late party leader PT Mohana Krishnan in the area.

According to a report on PTI, the banners erected by SFI said 'Mister Chancellor you are not welcome here' and 'Mister chancellor this is a place where there are a lot of people whom you called bloody criminals, be careful'. 

On Tuesday, Khan was met with protest from various youth organizations affiliated with the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) during his visit to Thodupuzha in Idukki district. The protest occurred as he participated in a function organized by the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samiti, a traders' body.

The hartal (strike) in Idukki district was called by the LDF to express dissent against Khan's refusal to give assent to the Kerala Government Land Assignment (Amendment) Bill 2023.

During the traders' event, Khan emphasized that he functions as a public servant and not merely as a rubber stamp.

In response to the hartal, numerous shops remained closed, and there was a noticeable reduction in the number of vehicles on the roads in the high-range district during the initial hours of the dawn-to-dusk strike. The SFI erected banners in various locations with messages such as "Sanghi Governor not welcome here."

The Kerala government passed the bill in the Legislative Assembly on September 14, 2023, addressing the longstanding demand of the people of Idukki district.

The protests on Tuesday was organised by activists from Left Front's youth organizations, including the Students Federation of India (SFI), Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and Youth Front