THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union Minister V Muraleedharan said that the Chief Minister is trying to intimidate Governor Arif Mohammad Khan using his ministers. He said in the press conference that Arif Mohammad Khan is against corruption and the chief minister is trying to bring the Governor under his control through intimidation and threats.

"The governor pointed out backdoor appointments and nepotism. It is his responsibility. The ministers should not speak the same language as the CPM secretary. The attitude of underestimating the Governor and the Raj Bhavan is not right. What is the new approach of CPM which has defined nepotism as corruption?" Muraleedharan said.

The minister's remark came after a war of words broke out between Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and the ruling LDF in Kerala against the latter's remarks warning ministers against lowering the dignity of his office.