THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM state secretariat on Monday said that Governor Arif Mohammad Khan's action of barring media workers from the press meet was anti-democratic. The Governor's action of barring the media workers who came to the press conference after obtaining permission earlier is very serious. The CPM said in the statement that this action was an attack on the freedom of the media.

'The action taken by the Governor is unheard of even during a state of emergency. He has also violated his oath of office and the Constitution. The Governor, who was tasked to protect the right to freedom of expression guaranteed by Article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution, trampled on the right. He also violated the constitution that envisages that the State should not show discrimination against the citizens. The governor, who is not interested in democracy and open debate, has displayed an arrogance that the media should only listen to what he has to say. The Governor's attempt is to turn the media in Kerala into a 'Godi media' that sits on the ruler's lap and speaks only to appease him. He gave the message that if you do not give in to it, you will be expelled,' the CPM state secretariat said.