CM, ministers boycott Governor’s Independence Day reception at Raj Bhavan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and state ministers on Friday boycotted the 'At Home' reception hosted by Governor Rajendra Arlekar at the Raj Bhavan as part of Independence Day celebrations. Opposition Leader VD Satheesan also skipped the event. The reception, a customary affair held on Independence Day and Republic Day, saw no participation from the cabinet despite formal invitations. The Chief Secretary represented the government, while the DGP and other senior officials attended.

The boycott comes amid escalating tensions between the Governor and the state government, particularly over issues related to universities. The government had earlier opposed the Governor’s circular to observe 'Partition Horrors Remembrance Day.' Despite the differences, the government had approved an additional Rs 15 lakh for the reception at Raj Bhavan.