Government readies for open confrontation with Governor over unsigned bills

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Pinarayi government and the Left Front escalate their confrontation against Governor Arif Mohammad Khan due to a governance crisis arising from his sending of seven crucial bills, passed by the Legislative Assembly, to the President without clear justification and against established conditions. The Supreme Court has supported the state government's plea for explicit guidelines on bill approval by the governor allowing Chief Justice DY Chandrachud to broaden the legal battle's scope.

In a pivotal decision, objections raised by the Governor and Attorney General R Venkataramani arguing against expanding the petition's issues, were overruled by the Supreme Court. The Court upheld arguments presented by senior advocate KK Venugopal and State Advocate General K Gopalakrishna Kurup. Additionally, it noted that three bills sent to the President were initially signed by the governor as ordinances.

This legal development not only aids Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana in their legal disputes against governors regarding these bills but also holds significance for other non-BJP governed states. The state government plans to challenge the legality of the governor's action in sending these critical bills to the President alongside seeking guidelines from the Supreme Court.

Amidst allegations that the governor's non-signing of bills is motivated by personal agendas and influences from the BJP and Sangh Parivar, the government aims to intensify its accusations. They cite the governor's role during Nava Kerala Sadas and parliamentary election campaigns. Though criticism emerged against the government for pressuring the governor, CPM leaders focus on the court's statement that the Chancellor (governor) should resist external pressure. CPM State Secretary MV Govindan, urging the governor not to resign suggests a return to political activities amidst looming political struggles.