2 days ago
CM, Ministers skip Governor's ‘At Home' event
Amid the continuing stand-off between the government and Raj Bhavan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Ministers did not attend the 'At Home' event hosted by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in connection with the Independence Day celebrations on Friday.
The State government has not made any official comment regarding the matter.
Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak, State Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar, and senior officials of the armed forces attended the 'At Home' event hosted by the Governor. According to a statement issued by the government's Public Relations Department, former Mizoram Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan, former Union Minister O. Rajagopal, freedom fighters, differently abled children and other prominent personalities also attended.
The CPI(M)-led LDF government and Mr. Arlekar have been at odds over a host of issues, the most recent being Mr. Arlekar's directive to the universities to observe August 14 as 'Partition Horror day.' On its part, the State government advised the universities and affiliated colleges that observance was not compulsory. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had described the Governor's directive as unconstitutional and unacceptable.
In June, the State government had taken strong exception to the display of an image of a 'saffron flag-holding Bharat Mata' at official events held at Raj Bhavan. The same month, the issue had spilled out onto the streets after protests erupted over the display of the motif at a private event attended by Mr. Arlekar at the Kerala University's Senate Hall.
