Governor expresses displeasure for not being invited to Onam celebrations; denies invite for government’s anti-drug campaign

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor, Arif Mohammad Khan, continues his adamant stand against the government by refusing an invite to its anti-drug campaign. Minster for Local Self Government, MB Rajesh, and the Chief Secretary visited the Governor today to formally invite him to the government's anti-drug campaign 'Yodhav' on 2nd October.

However, the Governor expressed his displeasure for not being invited to the Onam celebratory procession held in the capital city. He said that Onam is an emotional festival for everyone in Kerala and added that not being invited for the celebrations of such an emotional festival is objectionable.

With the Governor denying the invite for the anti-drug campaign ‘Yodhav’, the government’s hope to pacify him has come to an end.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, said that the Governor’s press meet is unusual. The CM in his press meet today, to counter Governor’s criticisms, said that Arif Mohammad Khan had ties to the RSS.

The CM continued that there are legal means that the Governor can communicate his difference of opinions with the government. He could have directly conveyed it to the government.

Pinarayi Vijayan also pointed to the Supreme Court’s judgement in the Shamser Singh case that the Governor is bound to obey the cabinet’s decision.

While the conflict continued, the Governor, today, signed five bills that were passed by the Legislative Assembly.

The Governor signed The Kerala Maritime Board Amendment Bill, Local Self Government Public Service Amendment Bill, PSC Commission Amendment Bill, Kerala Jewelry Workers’ Welfare Board, and Financial Responsibility Bill, after hearing the explanations of the various departmental secretaries.