‘No explanation is justifiable’, Governor rejects govt stance

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has rejected the government’s justification over submitting a plea in the Supreme Court against the Citizenship Amendment Act.

“No justification is acceptable. It is neither clash of ego nor personal differences. My request is, as citizens of a country where we have democracy and rule of law, our duty is to abide by constitution and law. Even citizens are entitled to an authority. The authority doesn’t give license to anybody to violate law or rules.

“My view is approval is needed. They have gone to the Supreme Court without informing me. That is an unlawful act. Not legally correct. Hence no explanation will satisfy me. I will not allow constitutional establishment to collapse in the state,” Khan added.

Khan also responded to CPM General Secretary Sitaram Yechury's comment on abolishing the Office of the Governor.

"They couldn't find anything wrong in my action. They wan't to eliminate the authority who oversees the government's actions.  Hence they are speaking of abolishing the Governor post," he added.

Chief Secretary Tom Jose met the Governor on Monday, a day after the latter sought a report from the Left government over moving the apex court against the Citizenship Amendment Act without informing him.

However, he denied to disclose what transpired between him and the chief secretary.