Kerala Guv Criticizes CM Vijayan's Statewide Tour In Fresh Salvo After Convoy Attack

Arif Mohammed Khan questioned the necessity of the trip labeling it as merely a means of gathering representations from the public.

After Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan slammed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over Students' Federation of India (SFI) students waylaying his convoy, the Governor on Wednesday questioned the rationale behind the CM's statewide trip. He also blamed the state for the grim financial situation prevailing in Kerala. 

On Wednesday, the Governor told the media about his inability to comprehend the purpose behind Chief Minister Vijayan's statewide yatra, encompassing all 140 Assembly constituencies. 

Khan questioned the necessity of the trip, labeling it as merely a means of gathering representations from the public, while emphasizing that people are in dire need of practical solutions to their issues.

Expressing regret for Kerala's financial state, Khan highlighted the reliance on revenue from lottery ticket sales and liquor. He attributed the current fiscal challenges to the state's extravagant spending.

Khan's assertion regarding the financial crisis coincides with the Vijayan government's plea to the Supreme Court, claiming that the Centre is hindering Kerala and obstructing its ability to secure loans.

Despite the ongoing discord between Khan and Vijayan, the former has escalated his criticism of the latter in recent times. On Tuesday, the Governor alleged that near physical assaults on him were orchestrated under CM Vijayan's directives. Khan urged the state chief secretary and police chief not to dismiss the SFI attack incident against him while he was en route to the airport.

On Monday, Kerala Governor after the alleged attack said, "Today the 'gundas' are trying to rule the roads of Thiruvananthapuram. When they came, I stopped my car and I got down (from my car). Why did they flee?... Because I do not wish to be pressurised by their tactics, therefore they are trying to threaten me... They hit my car from both sides..."

"Will they allow anyone to come near the car of the CM? Police knew them but what can the police do when the CM is directing them... It is the CM, he is conspiring and he is sending these people to hurt me physically... The collapse of the constitutional machinery cannot be allowed," he said.