Assembly witnesses unusual scenes during policy address: Guv avoids central govt criticism, CM calls out omission

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took an unusual step by reading out the parts of the policy speech omitted by the Kerala Governor. The Chief Minister, through this move, expressed his discontent over the Governor choosing to ignore portions of the policy speech that criticised the central government. The Chief Minister read out paragraphs 12, 15 and 16 approved by the Cabinet in the House.

Some changes were made in the Governor's speech in paragraphs 12, 15 and 16 of the policy speech approved by the Cabinet. The policy speech approved by the Cabinet remains in force in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution and the practices of the House. According to Article 176, the Governor addresses the Assembly when it convenes for the first session of a year. Since the Governor is making the policy statement of the government in the House, paragraphs 12, 15 and 16 approved by the Cabinet should remain unchanged.

CHIEF MINISTER:

“The first sentence of paragraph 12 of the policy speech approved by the cabinet reads, 'Despite such social and institutional achievements, Kerala continues to face serious economic distress as a result of the continuous adverse actions of the Union Government which undermine the constitutional principles of fiscal federalism. This sentence was omitted by the Honourable Governor.

The last two sentences of paragraph 15 of the policy speech approved by the Cabinet are as follows: “The bills passed by the State Legislatures are pending for a long time. My Government has approached the Supreme Court on these issues and referred them to a Constitution Bench. This sentence was also omitted by the Governor.

The last sentence of paragraph 16 of the policy speech approved by the Cabinet is as follows: 'Tax contributions and Finance Commission grants are constitutional rights of the States and are not gratuitous, and any pressure on the constitutional institutions entrusted with this responsibility would weaken the federal principles.

The Governor has added 'My Government cares' to this sentence. The policy speech approved by the Cabinet, including the omissions made by the Governor in the policy speech and excluding the additions, has been printed and distributed. I request you to accept this as the authentic policy speech,”