Will resign if it is proved that I have appointed someone, can they do the same?: Governor issues open challenge

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Governor on Thursday criticized the Chief Minister and the government yet again. The Governor's statement today is a dig at the Chief Minister's criticism on Wednesday.

"The chief minister also has the liability of proving his allegations against the governor. The media is afraid of the Chief Minister. Why the media is not showing the courage to question CM just like they question the Governor?", he asked.

"The Chief Minister and the Left Front are saying that I am opposing the government to bring RSS people to universities. But I challenge them. I will resign if they can prove that I have appointed someone from any sect using my authority. If not, will they be ready to resign from their own posts?"

"They approached the High Court questioning the action taken against the VCs? If there was a mistake on my part, wouldn't the court have taken action? The show cause notice has not been replied to me yet by the VCs. I haven't decided what to do next.", the Governor said.

The Governor also criticized the controversies related to the gold smuggling case. "The smuggling was spearheaded by the chief minister's office. As a governor, I will intervene against such people.", he said.

Referring to Swapna Suresh's autobiography, the Governor said that the talk in Kerala is about a book written by a woman. "All the characters in it are closely related to the Chief Minister and his office. His responsibility is to uphold the rule of law in the country and not to uphold the ruler's law.", he added.

"If the people in the chief minister's office give directions as to who should be appointed in the universities, I will intervene. While the people of Kerala roam the world in search of employment, the ministers here are making appointments to their personal staff at will. After completion of two years, they get pension for life. What should be this called other than robbery?", the governor asked.

The Governor also criticized Finance Minister Balagopal. "If a minister of the state tries to inflame regionalism, is it not a challenge to national unity? I have the responsibility to inform the people of Kerala about that. Because Malayalees are working in many parts of the country. This remark can put them in danger.", he added.