Governor Dr. Arif Mohammed Khan has made startling allegations regarding a purported connection between the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the outlawed Popular Front of India (PFI) in Kerala. Speaking to media representatives in Thiruvananthapuram, Governor Khan asserted that a recent incident involving protests against him revealed the presence of PFI members among those apprehended.
Governor Khan accused the LDF (Left Democratic Front) government of leveraging the banned outfit against him, citing instances such as the black flag protest he encountered in Nilamel on January 27. He claimed that seven individuals detained in connection with the protest had affiliations with the PFI, suggesting a coordinated effort against him.
During the Nilamel protest, Governor Khan reportedly confronted the demonstrators after exiting his vehicle, questioning their intentions and expressing dissatisfaction with law enforcement’s response. He remained seated in front of a local shop until the protestors were taken into custody, demanding a copy of the FIR (First Information Report) related to the incident. This incident echoed a similar confrontation in December 2023 in Thiruvananthapuram.
Furthermore, Governor Khan criticised the recent Kerala University Senate meeting chaired by Higher Education Minister R. Bindu on February 16, asserting that it violated protocol. According to him, the minister lacked the authority to chair the meeting without his explicit assignment, challenging established legal norms and potentially the Supreme Court.
These allegations by Governor Khan signal escalating tensions within Kerala’s political landscape and raise questions about the alleged nexus between student organisations and banned extremist groups in the state.
Also, in a recent address in Thrissur, Kerala, Governor Dr Khan openly criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accusing him of hypocrisy and double standards, suggesting he would be better suited to lead a drama troupe.
Dr. Khan alleged that while the Chief Minister purportedly incites SFI members against him, he simultaneously requests heightened security measures for his own protection. The Governor asserted his fearlessness in the face of such provocations, emphasising his resolve to uphold his duties without intimidation.
The Governor’s comments followed a recent incident in Thrissur on February 15, where approximately ten SFI activists staged a black flag demonstration during his visit to Engandiyoor, a coastal town in Thrissur district. The Governor was in attendance to honour Velayudhan Panikkasserry, a renowned historian, on the occasion of his 90th birthday at the Saraswati Vidya Niketan, Engandiyoor.
Despite the peaceful nature of the event, tensions escalated when the Governor proceeded to another program within the district, where SFI members once again staged a protest. Reports emerged of altercations between local residents and the protesting SFI activists, with the latter alleging attacks by members affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
The incident in Thrissur is not isolated, as similar protests have occurred in other districts, including a black flag demonstration in Kanjikode, Palakkad district, on February 12. The recurrence of such incidents suggests a pattern of protest against the Governor, potentially indicating a concerted effort by SFI and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) to challenge his authority.
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