Kerala Chief Minister Firmly Rejects Governor's Demand on Assembly Records
In a significant development in Kerala's political landscape, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday categorically rejected Governor Rajendra Arlekar's demand to remove portions omitted while delivering the policy address from the official records of the legislative assembly. The governor had written to Speaker A N Shamseer, requesting that only the sections he read out be treated as the official policy address in the assembly archives.
Constitutional Convention and Government Stand
Responding in the assembly, Vijayan clarified the government's position, stating that the governor neither wrote nor verbally communicated any request for changes when the draft of the policy address was forwarded to him. The chief minister emphasized that it was never the practice for a governor to unilaterally alter and read out a revised version of the policy address that had already been approved by the state cabinet.
While there have been past instances where governors shortened their speeches by omitting certain portions during delivery, the established convention has always been to incorporate the full text approved by the council of ministers in the assembly records. Vijayan argued that if the governor's present demand was accepted, only those portions read out by previous governors would form part of the historical records, which would undermine the constitutional process.
Speaker's Decision Based on CM's Explanation
The chief minister further asserted that the established practice was to include the speech in its entirety as cleared by the cabinet, and there was no circumstance warranting a change in that convention. In that context, Vijayan stated that the governor's letter to the speaker need not be considered. Based on the CM's detailed explanation, Speaker Shamseer informed the House that it decided not to consider the governor's communications regarding this matter.
Vijayan also alleged that the governor's action was not in accordance with the Constitution, highlighting the importance of maintaining procedural integrity in legislative matters.
Turbulent Conclusion to Assembly Session
Meanwhile, the final sitting of the 15th Kerala legislative assembly witnessed sharp exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches. Instead of concluding the session with the customary handshake and group photograph, the two sides clashed yet again over various issues.
The opposition boycotted the proceedings protesting the Sabarimala gold scam, with members entering the well of the House during question hour holding placards and raising slogans. Amid the din, the speaker cancelled question hour and moved on to other business, prompting the opposition to stage a walkout.
Moving the motion to conclude the session, Chief Minister Vijayan launched a scathing attack on the opposition, accusing it of fearing discussions, shying away from adjournment motions, and indulging in anti-development politics and misinformation. He expressed satisfaction and confidence over his government's performance, stating that they did everything possible to raise the state to higher levels of development during his final speech of the second term in the assembly. The House was later adjourned sine die, marking the end of a contentious session.
