Kochi: Continuing his tirade against the State Government, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan said ministers' comments criticizing him were born out of ignorance.
He was speaking at an event where he released a book on the former chief minister CH Muhammed Koya. Waving the recent Supreme Court order annulling the appointment of MS Rajashree as the Vice Chancellor of the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, he claimed the apex court has confirmed who has the authority to appoint VCs in the universities.
The apex court's decision came after it found the appointment was not in accordance with the rules of the University Grants Commission.
Apparently, the Senate members of the Technological University had only suggested a single name to the Governor instead of a list of names, which is the norm.
By invoking the verdict, Khan was likely implying that a similar fate would await Kerala University if his directions are not followed. Khan, as Governor, is also the Chancellor of varsities in Kerala. Using this power, he had recently sacked 15 Senate members of the Kerala university for failing to discharge their duties.
Khan also expressed his displeasure at the 'indignity' that was shown to him and his office by the state ministers. There were two in particular that he found extremely distressing - Law Minister P Rajeev and Finance Minister KN Balagopal. Both had criticized Khan for his recent statements, with Rajeev even saying that he would "review" the Governor's actions.
Labeling Rajeev as an "ignorant and uneducated man", Khan pointed out that only courts can scrutinize a Governor's action. "The law minister has no power over me. With his statement [to review Khan's actions], he has shown that he is an ignorant, uneducated man. Someone who is not familiar with the law," Khan said, while making it clear that he would approach Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan against them.
"They criticize me saying that I am unaware of the education system in Kerala. I know this: students of Kerala move out of the state for education because the system here is in a shambles," Khan added. He also attacked the state for tunnel-visioning solely on lottery and liquor sales. Khan's assertion comes at a time when the Left machinery is about to undertake an extensive campaign against him.
Earlier, Khan had threatened to remove ministers from the Left-government if they continue to "lower the dignity" of his office.
“The CM and Council of Ministers have every right to advise Governor. But statements of individual ministers that lower the dignity of the office of the Governor can invite action including withdrawal of pleasure," Khan had tweeted.
During the event, he clarified that he never said he would remove ministers from their posts. " 'Withdrawal of pleasure' does not mean that I will remove them as ministers. It means that I will inform the public about my displeasure if they continue to act in disrespectful manner," he said.
Earlier, dismissing 15 senate members of the Kerala University, Khan alleged they were colluding with the government to get Left supporters on the panel to secure plush seats for close associates of ministers or their aides.
This was the latest thorn in the relationship between the Left government and Khan. Both had criticized the other for taking undue advantage of their post and intervening in matters not of their concern.
