Wed Dec 25 12:36:09 UTC 2024: ## Kerala CPI(M) Welcomes New Governor, Condemns Predecessor’s Actions

**Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala –** The ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] in Kerala has welcomed the appointment of Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as the state’s new Governor, expressing hope for a more collaborative relationship than the one experienced with his predecessor, Arif Mohammed Khan.

CPI(M) State Secretary M.V. Govindan sharply criticized Mr. Khan, accusing him of engaging in “unconstitutional actions” to advance the agenda of the Sangh Parivar (RSS-BJP’s ideological family). Govindan cited instances where Khan withheld assent to bills passed by the legislature and referred bills to the President, actions Govindan deemed unprecedented. He also criticized media portrayals of Mr. Khan as widely respected, attributing this to Khan’s actions against the Left government.

Govindan emphasized that Governors, regardless of political affiliation, should operate within constitutional boundaries. He expressed hope that the new Governor would work constitutionally and cooperate with the state government.

In response, BJP State president K. Surendran defended Mr. Khan, claiming the CPI(M)’s criticism stemmed from animosity. He challenged the CPI(M) and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to answer for alleged irregularities during Mr. Khan’s five-year tenure. Surendran asserted that regardless of who holds the Governor’s office, the alleged misconduct of Vijayan and Govindan will be investigated. The change in governorship follows President Droupadi Murmu’s recent appointments of new Governors for several states.

Read More