State Governor Dr Arif Mohammed Khan alleged on October 9 that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan lies for political gain. He made these remarks while speaking to the media. The police website states that the proceeds from gold smuggling go to outlawed organizations. The Governor raised several questions for the Chief Minister: Why doesn’t the Chief Minister inform the Governor, the head of the state, if anti-national activities are occurring in the state? Why is the Governor kept in the dark? It is the Customs’ duty to seize gold at the airports. However, if Customs fails in this duty and the proceeds are going to outlawed outfits, who is responsible for stopping it?
The Governor questioned who should be trusted regarding the ‘PR Agency’ controversy related to The Hindu interview with the Chief Minister. If The Hindu published something that the Chief Minister did not say at all, why can’t he proceed with legal action against the English daily? What credibility does the Chief Minister have? It seems he has something to hide.
Dr Arif Mohammed Khan wondered what prevented the Chief Minister from informing him about the anti-national activities in Malappuram district and the Customs’ “lapse” in controlling gold smuggling. If the Chief Minister is not providing a proper reply, then the Chief Secretary will be asked to furnish the details; what is wrong with summoning him? The Governor pointed out that the Chief Secretary comes to the Raj Bhavan for government business, but when he is summoned, the government cultivates a “complex.”
The Governor said he received a reply to his letter after 20 days. Dr Arif Mohammed Khan stated that he believes the news carried by The Hindu and that the Chief Minister has lost his credibility. The Governor mentioned he would draw the attention of Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu to the issue. The Governor added that whether he has any power will be proven soon.
The people of Kerala are fed up with corruption and the soft approach towards anti-national activities in the state. They are now pinning their hopes on the Governor.
