'Pinarayi will soon know if I have authority or not': Guv takes on Kerala CM in fresh confrontation
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in connection with the latter's alleged comments over Malappuram published in The Hindu newspaper. The Governor questioned the presence of two representatives from a PR agency during the Chief Minister's interview, asking, "What were they doing there, and what was the purpose of their interview with the paper?"
Speaking to the media in Thiruvananthapuram, the Governor raised doubts about whom to believe in the ongoing PR controversy. He stated that if the Chief Minister denies the controversial remarks made during the interview, it would be acceptable. However, he pointed out that the Chief Minister did not refute his statements made during a press conference on September 21.
"Why didn't the Chief Minister inform me about the gold smuggling and hawala transactions centred in Malappuram, which are linked to anti-national activities? The police website mentions these issues. Why am I sitting in Raj Bhavan if such anti-national activities are allowed in this state?" the Governor questioned.
He further asked, "Should I trust the Chief Minister or The Hindu newspaper in this PR controversy? If the newspaper is lying, why hasn't the Chief Minister filed a case against them? The Chief Minister has a constitutional obligation to clarify these matters to me. It is my responsibility to inform the President about such issues. The Customs Department is responsible for seizing gold at the airport, but if any of that gold is misused in crimes, who shall be held accountable?"
The Governor expressed frustration over the delay in receiving a response from the Chief Minister, stating, "He will soon know whether I have the authority or not. The Chief Minister took over 20 days to reply to my letter, suggesting there is something to hide." He added that he is not in Raj Bhavan for enjoyment and questioned the Chief Minister's credibility.