Governor calls meeting with officials; government expresses displeasure

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has expressed strong displeasure over Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar’s decision to call a meeting of government officials. The Chief Minister’s Office stated that the Chief Secretary contacted the Governor’s Secretary and conveyed the government’s displeasure. The Governor’s office later clarified that the meeting was not an independent official briefing and that it was only related to preparations for the International Yoga Day celebrations.

The Chief Secretary has also sent a letter to the Lok Bhavan expressing the government’s concerns. In the letter, the Chief Secretary said that meetings and review meetings involving government officials come under the executive responsibilities of the government. The letter also requested that such incidents should not happen again in the future.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan criticised the Governor’s action, calling it a serious violation of constitutional norms. He said the Governor’s move to directly call meetings of government departments goes against established procedures. Pinarayi Vijayan questioned the reason behind the Governor’s involvement in departmental meetings and alleged interference in administrative matters. The opposition leader, who pointed out that there are concerns that the Chief Minister is showing support towards the Sangh Parivar, added that the Governor is using this opportunity very well and questioning the dignity of the state.