In a dramatic turn of events, the ongoing discord between Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan escalated when the governor, defying potential protests, took an unplanned stroll down SM Street in Kozhikode. This unanticipated move unfolded during Khan’s three-day stay at Calicut University campus, where attempts were made to block his entry.
The governor mingled with the crowd, engaged with schoolchildren, took selfies with locals, and indulged in the renowned Calicut halwa, all while braving the cameras. The stroll lasted about 40 minutes, covering the entire stretch of SM Street.
Preceding this street appearance, Governor Khan verbally targeted Chief Minister Vijayan, labeling him a “bully” and implicating him in multiple murders in Kannur. However, no direct confrontation occurred between the governor and protesting members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) on the university campus.
The governor had earlier referred to SFI activists as “goondas” (thugs), while the SFI responded with provocative slogans and posters targeting Khan. The tensions remain high, with both sides intensifying their stance.
When questioned about the chief minister’s claim that the governor was deliberately provoking situations, Khan countered, stating, “A bully… You know his history. How many murders was he involved in Kannur? What a bully will say. How am I provoking?”
The discord between the governor and the state government continues to unfold, with each episode adding new dimensions to this political standoff.
