A political controversy has erupted in Kerala over a circular reportedly issued by the Raj Bhavan directing state universities to observe August 14 as 'Partition Horror Day'. The directive has drawn sharp criticism from both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), who have questioned the Governor’s authority to issue such an order without the state government's consent.

A Raj Bhavan official confirmed that a circular for the observance of an 'Anti-Partition Day' was issued in June, based on instructions from the Union Home Ministry for all state governments. The official did not provide further details.

State Govt alleges 'parallel governance'

State Education Minister V Sivankutty accused Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar of running a "parallel governance system". He told a news channel, "I do not understand under what authority he has issued such an invitation. He does not have such powers. The Governor's powers are limited, and this is not something that can be connected to day-to-day administration, as courts and experts in the field have already made clear."

Similarly, Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan condemned the Governor's move as unconstitutional. In a statement, he said, "By doing this, Vishwanath Arlekar, holding a constitutional post, is openly telling Kerala that he still represents the divisive politics of the RSS. The Governor's action is unconstitutional."

Satheesan also called on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to break his silence and officially inform the Governor of the state government’s objections. The circular reportedly suggested that universities could organize seminars and stage plays to commemorate the horrors of the partition.