The Congress-led opposition on Monday slammed the new-found 'friendship' between Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and the Pinarayi Vijayan government as the customary Governor's address was particularly "soft" on the Centre.
"This clearly shows that there has been a patch-up between the Governor and CM Vijayan, and the Centre is also a beneficiary. The much-debated difference of opinion that prevailed seems to be swept under the carpet and it is because of an alleged patch-up deal," said VD Satheesan, Leader of Opposition, Kerala Assembly.
"What is surprising is the softness shown towards the Centre in the address. Likewise, the claims put forward in the address are nothing but a bluff. It speaks of media freedom, which is a big joke here. Then comes about giving a clean chit to the police force, which is totally a false one as everyday reports of the nexus between the police and criminals are out in the newspapers.
"Moreover, the plan implementation with just a quarter left for the present fiscal to end stands at an appallingly poor 47 per cent... and tells the whole tale," said Satheesan.
Incidentally, things were not alright until the first week of January when it was a free for all between CM Vijayan and Governor Khan. This changed for the better when Khan agreed to swear in Saji Cherian and soon came the news that the Vijayan government will go forward with the customary Governor's address in the Assembly.
The Vijayan government was earlier mulling extending the Assembly session that was held in December into the New Year and thereby snub Khan. But, after Governor Khan without a whimper of protest agreed to Saji Cherian's swearing-in, a patch-up took place.
Kerala Guv Praises State's Development Growth In Policy Address
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan in his customary address ahead of the beginning of the Assembly session on Monday praised the state for its "remarkable development growth".
"My government is committed to protecting constitutional values which are presently facing many challenges. My government is always committed to protecting the freedom of the press. A strong nation has to have a strong Centre, empowered states and actively functioning local governments," Guv Arif Khan said as quoted by news agency ANI.
He further said that the multidimensional poverty in Kerala is only 0.7 per cent which is the lowest in the country.
(With IANS inputs)