In the ongoing tussle between several state governments and their respective Governors over pending bills, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan defended his actions, accusing the state government of overstepping boundaries on numerous occasions. He asserted that his actions align with the Constitution and questioned if he had ever triggered a crisis in the state.
The statements come as the Kerala government approached the Supreme Court, raising concerns about the Governor’s delay in signing certain bills. Governor Khan, in response, challenged the state to provide evidence of him crossing any constitutional lines.
“Show me one instance where I have crossed the line. And how many times my own government has crossed the line, there is a long list. So who is creating the crisis?” questioned Khan. He pointed out the state’s failure to pay pensions and salaries while highlighting extravagant expenditures on events like Keraleeyam.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan insisted that Khan must adhere to the Constitution, emphasizing the Governor’s duty to act within its framework. The Governor, earlier, accused the state government of misusing the legislature’s intended purposes.
Khan affirmed his commitment to constitutional principles and noted that money bills, including university bills, require prior approval from the Governor. He underscored the necessity of upholding the Constitution’s spirit in carrying out his responsibilities.
The friction between Raj Bhavans and elected governments persists in various states, with Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Kerala seeking Supreme Court intervention in recent months. The apex court, in addressing the Punjab governor, expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of both the Raj Bhavan and the state government, cautioning against jeopardizing democracy.
