Kerala continues to witness a complex interplay of power dynamics involving the Governor, the Chief Minister, and the Students Federation of India (SFI).
In a dramatic turn of events on January 27, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan found himself in the midst of a heated confrontation with state police officials over SFI activists, adding another chapter to the ongoing feud between him and the students' body affiliated to the ruling Left Front.
The latest episode unfolded when Governor Khan, en route to attend an event in Kottarakkara, encountered SFI protesters near Nilamel. The students, waving black flags and banners reading "Sanghi Chancellor go back," aimed their dissent at Khan, who have been accusing him of aligning with the saffronization agenda of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In a moment of high tension, Khan ordered his vehicle to halt and confronted the protestors by walking towards them, shouting "aao" (come). The police intervened to create a barrier between the Governor and the SFI activists. Undeterred, Khan demanded action against the protestors.
The Governor insisted on action, accused Vijayan of "promoting lawlessness in the state". Khan said, "as head of the state, lawlessness shall not be tolerated". "It is him who is giving direction to the police to give protection to these lawbreakers against whom, including the state president of the organisation (SFI) many criminal cases are pending in the courts," Khan charged.
He resumed his journey after presented with a copy of the FIR registered against 17 SFI activists under non-bailable provisions of the law.
Accusing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of promoting lawlessness in the state, Khan asserted, "It is him who is giving direction to the police to give protection to these lawbreakers against whom, including the state president of the organisation (SFI), many criminal cases are pending in the courts."
The ongoing strife between Khan and Vijayan has been marked by disagreements over university appointments and bills passed by the Assembly. SFI, the student wing aligned with the Left, has been protesting against Khan's actions, alleging an attempt to saffronize education institutions in the state.
In response to the recent clash, Vijayan criticised Governor Khan for stepping out of his vehicle, citing security protocols. He emphasized that Khan's actions were contrary to democratic principles and expressed concern about the CRPF taking over the Governor's security.
Vijayan has also accused the Centre of undermining the democratic system by attempting to control Constitutional institutions. He alleges that recent amendments to the Right to Information (RTI) Act aim to bring the Central Information Commission under political influence. Vijayan warns against these actions, emphasizing the need for vigilance to protect Constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission. He advocates for reforms in the RTI Act to ensure its responsible and people-friendly implementation, highlighting its potential role in fostering a corruption-free democratic system.
Recently, the deepening rift also saw Vijayan and cabinet ministers boycotting the "at home" reception organized by Governor Khan at Raj Bhavan on Republic Day.
What happened earlier
On December 11, 2023, the SFI was accused of attacking the Governor's car. On December 12, Khan accused Vijayan of conspiring against him.
On December 16, Khan chose to stay in the Calicut University campus, asserting his position against the pro-Left student union's opposition. He claimed the student agitation was orchestrated by Vijayan to divert attention from the state's financial crisis.
Khan defended his nominations to university senates, stating accountability only to the President of India. Vijayan hinted at seeking Khan's recall, citing disruptions to the state's peaceful atmosphere.
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