Arif Mohammed Khan, CM Pinarayi Vijayan | Photo: PTI, Mathrubhumi
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan raised sharp criticism against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan while addressing the media here on Monday. He also released three letters from the Chief Minister at the press meet.
Attacking the CM, he revealed that the Chief Minister visited him in connection with the appointment of Kannur University Vice-Chancellor.
“Chief Minister visited me at the Raj Bhavan seeking reappointment of the Kannur VC. I told him, I will give weightage to Gopinath Raveendran. As he pressurised me, I decided to accept his demand. He also asked me to avoid the procedures of VC appointment. I have pointed out illegal appointments in the university many times. I have received the advice of the Advocate General on this matter,” added the governor.
The Governor also revealed that he had written to the CM expressing willingness to step out from the post of chancellor. But the CM requested me to continue in the post.
In the letter sent by the CM in January, he assured me that the government will not intervene in university matters and asked me to continue as chancellor of the universities.
“Some officials visited me bargaining for the Chancellor post. They tried to push me and asked about what I need to continue in the post,” revealed Khan.
He also opened up about facing pressure to act illegally in his post.
“I would like to ask the CM whether he forgot the promises when he approached me seeking amendment in the University law,” asked the governor.
He also reacted to the CM’s criticism against him over issuing statements to the media.
“I will keep a good relationship with media. I won’t say get out to them,” he said, taking a dig at the CM.
RELATED STORIES
.jpg?$p=96111f5&f=1x1&w=100&q=0.8)
%20(1).jpg?$p=7072c37&q=0.8&f=16x11&w=104)
