Ensure Governor functions with Constitutional limits, Venugopal writes to President
AICC general secretary (Organisation) and MP K.C. Venugopal on Thursday wrote to the President of India raising the 'serious Constitutional and administrative challenges' unfolding in Kerala, arising from the continued confrontational stance adopted by Raj Bhavan.
Saying that the ongoing impasse is adversely affecting the Constitutional balance and undermining the orderly functioning of the State's democratic institutions, he requested the President to consider appropriate counsel and intervention so that the Governor discharges the responsibilities of the office strictly within the bounds of Constitutional mandate and refrains from actions that may aggravate tensions or disrupt public order.
He wrote that the role of the Governor, as defined in the Constitution is that of a Constitutional head of the State, expected to function in accordance with the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, but recent developments in Kerala reflect a departure from these Constitutional tenets.
'The insistence by the Governor's office on displaying the image of 'Bharat Mata' holding a saffron flag at official functions, an emblem that holds no Constitutional or statutory recognition, has created avoidable friction. This symbolic assertion, widely perceived as ideological in nature, has led to considerable unrest and public disquiet. The preference for an unofficial image over the National Flag at public functions risks sending a dangerous and divisive message, and has justifiably drawn criticism from various quarters,' wrote Mr. Venugopal.
He noted that the resultant situation had severely strained the institutional relationship between Raj Bhavan and the State administration. Public protests, tensions on the ground, and disruptions to law and order have ensued.
'The office of the Governor is one of great Constitutional significance. It is expected to function as a neutral bridge between the Union and the State, upholding the spirit of cooperative federalism and Constitutional propriety. Any deviation from this role disturbs the institutional fabric and impairs the people's faith in constitutional governance. It is imperative that the high office remains above ideological assertions and continues to embody the spirit of unity, impartiality, and Constitutional morality,' wrote Mr. Venugopal.
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