Governor Arif Mohammed Khan's tenure to end on September 6

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Only a month is left for the completion of the tenure of Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. The Governor's five-year term will come to an end on September 6. It is not clear whether the Centre will allow him to continue as Governor of Kerala or transfer him to some other states.

A cabinet sub-committee chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah had assessed the performance of the Governors of the states. A decision will be taken based on the recommendation of the committee.

Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, who has gained national attention by repeatedly clashing with the country's only communist government, is likely to remain in Kerala even after his term expires. The Governor can continue for a period of five years or until he enjoys the pleasure of the President. Although 73-year-old Arif Khan had earlier tried for the post of Vice President, Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar was picked for the post.

Khan, who joined the BJP in 2004, has close connections with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top BJP leaders. He once openly revealed that he had been a member of the RSS for decades. He assumed office as the Governor of Kerala on September 6, 2019. Arif Mohammed Khan is a native of Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh.

Worked in various parties

• Arif Mohammed Khan, who started his political career in Charan Singh's Bharatiya Kranti Dal, grew through the Congress. He later reached the BJP through Janata Dal.
• In 1986, he resigned from the Union Ministership and left the Congress in protest against the introduction of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act. He joined Jan Morcha, founded by VP Singh, which eventually merged with Janata Dal. He served as Civil Aviation Minister in the VP Singh government.