Republic Day: Guv Arif Khan praises central govt projects in presence of CM Pinarayi Vijayan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala on Friday started the celebratory events planned for the 75th Republic Day at Thiruvananthapuram Central Stadium. The function started at 9 am in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Governor Arif Muhammad Khan. The Governor hoisted the flag as part of the Republic Day celebrations. Programs are progressing in various districts.

Keeping beside the bitter animosity, the Governor started his address by curtly mentioning CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s name. However, midway through the speech, the Governor started adulating the central government projects that he said have ‘ship-shaped’ the country to become one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Special mention was given to PM Modi’s touted ‘Make in India’ and the successful ‘Nari Shakti’ schemes.

“Dissent turning to violence is a betrayal of democracy. The hunger to get into power should not affect governance. External interference in higher education pollutes academia.” The governor also said that independent educational institutions without external interference are essential for Kerala. Meanwhile, despite sitting next to each other on the stage, the Chief Minister and the Governor did not speak to each other.

Minister Roshy Augustine hoisted the flag at the IDA ground in Idukki. Several ministers hoisted the flag in their respective districts; In Ernakulam, it was Minister K Rajan, Malappuram Minister GR Anil, Kozhikode Minister Mohammad Riyas, Thrissur Minister K Radhakrishnan, Palakkad Minister K Krishnankutty, Wayanad Minister AK Saseendran and Kollam it was Minister K Ganesh Kumar.