In a startling incident, members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) waved black flags at Kerala Governor Dr. Arif Mohammed Khan on the night of December 28 as he was en route from the airport to Raj Bhavan. The Governor, returning from New Delhi, encountered the protest shortly after addressing the media at the airport. Police intervened to remove the SFI protesters, and Governor Khan warned that he would exit his car if such blockades and attacks recurred.
Governor Khan addressed allegations from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) that he was attempting to saffronise universities by nominating representatives linked to the ‘Sangh Parivar’ to the Senates. He defended his actions, stating that merit and recommendations from various sources, including the media, guided his decisions. Responding to a question about an ABVP nominee’s arrest, he claimed ignorance and highlighted that the SFI leader orchestrating protests against him was implicated in 48 cases.
Regarding the CPM and CPI’s decision not to attend the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony, Governor Khan emphasised the Constitutional right of political parties and individuals to make independent decisions. He expressed concern about unprecedented attacks on the Head of the State, referencing violent SFI protests on December 11 in Thiruvananthapuram where his car was obstructed at three points.
Governor Khan dismissed speculations about using the new ministers’ oath-taking on December 29 as an opportunity to build rapport with the government. On the topic of universities, he advocated for search committees in the selection of Vice Chancellors, asserting his authority upheld by a recent Supreme Court decision. He reiterated claims of lawlessness and violence in the state, citing the lack of action against those who obstructed his vehicle.
In response to the security breach, the Union Home Ministry has reportedly sought a report on the incident. The Central Intelligence, tasked with the investigation, was instructed to submit the report on December 27, focusing on police security lapses and the possible implementation of ‘Z Plus’ security for the Governor. Central Intelligence has highlighted alleged security inadequacies and leaks to protesters.
Earlier, SFI men carried out black flag demonstration against the governor late in the evening on December 11 while he was on the way to the airport. He stepped out of the car and accused CM Pinaryi Vijayan of deliberately plotting to harm him physically.
After the History Congress incident, the Governor had alleged that the CM was ‘harbouring’ a CPM leader, who allegedly facilitated the ‘attempt on his life’, in the CM’s office. Now, the Governor warns the government against threatening and scaring him.
The black flag demonstration was launched against the governor’s ‘alleged attempt to convert universities into Sangh Parivar centres’. At Pettah Junction of Thiruvananthapuram, SFI men intruded into the highway and forced the Governor’s car to stop immediately. A mobile phone visual aired by the Malayalam news channels showed the activists mobbing the Governor’s car. It is alleged that the SFI men hit the car with the flag sticks. The black flag protests took place in several places in the city.
The Home Ministry is expected to take further steps based on the report, potentially involving the provision of central forces for the Governor’s security. The State Intelligence had reportedly issued three warnings within 24 hours about potential protests, which were overlooked, resulting in a significant security lapse. The Union Home Ministry had previously sought an explanation from the Chief Secretary regarding security measures, and the State Intelligence’s findings indicate a breach that has implications for the democratic fabric of Kerala.
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