Amid escalating tensions between the government led by Pinarayi Vijayan and Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, the Student Federation of India (SFI), affiliated with the ruling CPI(M), has initiated protests at Calicut University. The focal point of their discontent revolves around the SFI's claim that the Governor is leveraging his authority as the chancellor of universities in the state to promote individuals affiliated with the BJP-RSS within university senates.
SFI activists voiced their concerns through protests, emphasizing their allegations against the Governor during demonstrations. Clad with a banner bearing the message, "Mister Chancellor don't spit poison and pan parag on universities," the activists orchestrated a protest march outside the Calicut University Guest House, where the Governor is currently residing.
Concurrently, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hinted at the possibility of seeking the recall of Governor Arif Mohammed Khan through a potential approach to the Centre. Speaking during a media address as part of the ongoing Nava Kerala Sadass in Kollam, Vijayan expressed concerns over Khan's perceived attempts to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in the state, attributing it to deliberate provocations.
Vijayan underscored the need to rectify the Governor's actions to maintain a harmonious Centre-state relationship, emphasizing that the state government perceives Khan as a disruptor of peace and harmony. Considering this, Vijayan suggested that the Centre might need to be approached to consider the removal of the Governor.
In his criticism of Khan, Vijayan pointed out a deviation from the expected etiquette for a Governor, citing concerns over personal attacks and unfiltered statements. He urged the Centre to scrutinize the Governor's behavior in light of these considerations.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan countered the protests by alleging that the banners outside the Calicut University guest house were strategically placed by the state police at the behest of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. This exchange of accusations and the widening discord between the Governor and the state government underscores the deepening political turmoil in Kerala.
