After the assembly elections held in Kerala, Congress government was formed and V.D. Satheesan became the Chief Minister here. Now a situation of tension is being seen between this Congress led government and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. Actually, 21st June is International Yoga Day. The Governor called a meeting of heads of different departments and Vice-Chancellors (VCs) of universities to review the preparations for the occasion. CM Satheesan has expressed displeasure over this decision of the Governor.
A letter has also been sent to Lok Bhavan in this matter. It has been said in the letter that from the point of view of review, such meetings come within the scope of responsibilities of the elected government. On Wednesday, Governor Arlekar had chaired a meeting of the Vice Chancellor and senior officials and heads of departments to discuss celebrating International Yoga Day.
‘Such incidents should not happen in future’
The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said it had contacted the Governor’s office regarding the meeting. The CMO said that the Secretary to the Governor officially informed the Chief Secretary that the officials were not called for any separate review meeting, but it was only a conversation related to International Yoga Day.
The CMO said in a statement, “The Chief Secretary has also sent a letter to Lok Bhawan registering the government’s displeasure over holding such meetings. Meetings and review sessions involving government officials come under the executive responsibilities of the government. The Chief Secretary has urged in the letter to Lok Bhawan that precautions should be taken to ensure that such incidents do not happen in future.”
Opposition pressure is also a big reason
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s government has sent a message to Lok Bhavan not to interfere in the government’s responsibilities at a time when the CPI(M)-led opposition is alleging that the government is not taking adequate steps to oppose the Governor. CPI(M) had claimed that when Lok Bhavan appointed Dr D Mavuthu, who is associated with the BJP-affiliated teachers’ body, as VC of Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. The government was silent on this matter also.
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