Kerala Assembly Erupts in Tension Over Governor's Address
The Kerala legislative assembly witnessed a dramatic confrontation on Tuesday. The clash occurred immediately after Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar concluded his policy address to the house.
Chief Minister's Sharp Accusation
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan rose to his feet with a serious allegation. He told the assembly that Governor Arlekar had failed to read the full text of the policy address approved by the state cabinet.
Vijayan stated clearly that certain sections of the speech were omitted entirely. He also pointed out that the governor inserted additional words not present in the original document.
Critical Portions Left Unread
The chief minister specified the exact paragraphs affected. He said Governor Arlekar skipped the opening line of paragraph twelve. He also omitted the concluding part of paragraph fifteen.
These specific sections contained direct criticism of the BJP-led central government's fiscal policies. They also mentioned important bills passed by the Kerala assembly that remain stuck awaiting approval from the Raj Bhavan.
Content of the Omitted Text
One missing passage addressed Kerala's financial situation directly. It stated that the state faces severe fiscal stress due to actions by the union government. According to the text, these actions weaken the constitutional principle of fiscal federalism.
The exact line read: "Despite these social and institutional achievements, Kerala continues to face severe fiscal stress arising from a series of adverse union government actions that undermine the constitutional principles of fiscal federalism."
Another omitted section discussed pending legislation. It noted that bills passed by state legislatures have remained pending for prolonged periods. It confirmed the state government approached the Supreme Court on these issues, with the matter now before a constitution bench.
That statement was: "Bills passed by state legislatures have remained pending for prolonged periods. My government has approached the Supreme Court on these issues, which have been referred to a constitution bench."
Unauthorized Addition to the Speech
Chief Minister Vijayan highlighted another significant issue. He accused the governor of making an addition to paragraph sixteen of the address.
Vijayan stated that Governor Arlekar inserted the phrase "my government considers" into a key sentence. The original line declared that tax devolution and finance commission grants are constitutional rights of states, not acts of charity.
The chief minister reiterated the correct text: "Tax devolution and finance commission grants are constitutional entitlements of states and not acts of charity, and any pressure on constitutional bodies entrusted with this task undermines federal principles."
Demand for Official Record Correction
Pinarayi Vijayan made a formal request to the assembly speaker. He urged Speaker A N Shamseer to recognize only the cabinet-approved version of the policy address as the official record.
He insisted the official record must exclude the governor's omissions and unauthorized additions.
Speaker Upholds Assembly Precedent
Speaker Shamseer responded by citing past precedents of the house. He stated clearly that assembly traditions do not recognize any changes made to a cabinet-approved address.
The speaker affirmed that the same rule would apply in this instance. The official record would reflect the original text as approved by the state cabinet.
Parallel Confrontation in Tamil Nadu
Meanwhile, a similar political drama unfolded in the Tamil Nadu assembly on the same day. Governor R N Ravi refused to read out the state government-prepared address entirely.
Governor Ravi walked out of the assembly chamber. He later expressed disappointment, citing a perceived lack of respect for the national anthem.
The governor also claimed his microphone was switched off during the proceedings. He alleged his speech was interrupted, adding to the day's constitutional tensions in South India.
