'Arif Mohammed Khan Is Kerala's Governor, Not A Street Goon': CPI(M) Slams Wayside Sit-In

Kerala: Tensions between Guv Arif Mohammed Khan and the CPI(M)-led LDF govt have persisted over various issues. The ruling party characterised Khan's recent wayside sit-in as a 'jolt to democracy'.

New Delhi: The political landscape in Kerala has been stirred by a recent confrontation between the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and the state's Governor, Arif Mohammed Khan. The disagreement stems from the Governor's recent wayside sit-in, in response to a black flag protest by the Students Federation of India (SFI). As per PTI, CPI (M) on Monday characterised Khan's recent wayside sit-in as a 'jolt to democracy'.

The Left party accused Guv Khan of neglecting the obligation to adhere to the country's rules, irrespective of his esteemed position. 

In a strongly-worded editorial featured in the party's publication 'Deshabhimani,' the CPI(M) contended, "Governor lacked the authority to make independent decisions, emphasising that the Constitution empowers him to act solely in accordance with the advice of the state cabinet".

"Arif Mohammed Khan is the Governor of Kerala, not a street goon," the party remarked as it also questioned the governor's mental state, alleging that he rushed towards protestors, challenging the Constitution. "He acted as though the existing laws of the country did not apply to him," the CPI(M) alleged, as per PTI.

"The state has a government elected by the people to take decisions," it underscored. The editorial further asserted that the SFI had protested against the governor's alleged involvement in saffronising the universities in the state. 

The governor staged a wayside sit-in two days ago, demanding action against SFI activists who protested against him in Nilamel. However, CPI(M) supported its students' outfit over the black flag protest and pointed out that the Constitution guarantees the right to protest against any administrator, reported PTI.

There has been no response from either Khan or Raj Bhavan regarding the editorial. Tensions between the governor and the CPI(M)-led LDF government have persisted over various issues. The Marxist party had previously accused Khan of acting with an agenda, allegedly with the support of the BJP-ruled Centre.