Kerala: Governor Arlekar foils state government’s move to transfer security staff, sends strong signal

The CPM-led Left Democratic Front and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan heaved a sigh of relief when Dr Arif Mohammed Khan left Kerala to take over as the next Governor of Bihar. Dr Khan departed Kerala on 28 December 2024, and the new Kerala Governor, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, assumed office on 2 January 2025.

However, the calculations of the CM Pinarayi Vijayan government went awry once again, this time concerning the new Governor. Governor Arlekar cancelled the state government’s decision to transfer his security personnel. The transfer order had been issued immediately after the swearing-in of the new Governor, and new personnel were appointed in their place.

As soon as the affected personnel raised their concerns with the Governor regarding the transfer, his intervention was prompt. The Governor summoned ADGP Manoj Abraham IPS, the officer in charge of security, and expressed his dissatisfaction with the transfer of personnel who were due to retire in a few months. The transfer order was revoked immediately.

Observers interpret this action by the Governor as a display of his determination to be assertive, much like his predecessor. Consequently, Pinarayi Vijayan’s hope that the new Governor could be taken for granted has been dashed.

The tenure of Dr Arif Mohammed Khan was a challenging period for Pinarayi Vijayan, as the Governor consistently challenged illegitimate actions and orders of the state government. Dr Khan’s interventions in the administration of universities have been etched in golden letters in the political history of the state.

Now, the people of Kerala are relieved to have another Governor with an iron will. They are confident that the new Governor will be no less assertive than Dr Khan.