Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government on Thursday expressed dissatisfaction over Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar’s meeting with departmental heads in connection with preparations for International Yoga Day, scheduled for June 21.

The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), in a statement, said the chief secretary had written to Lok Bhavan conveying the government’s displeasure over the conduct of such a meeting. The letter also requested that due caution be exercised to ensure that similar instances do not recur in the future.

According to the statement, the chief secretary maintained that holding meetings with departmental heads falls under the executive functions of the elected government.

Governor’s meeting triggers political response

The controversy surfaced soon after Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, Pinarayi Vijayan, criticised the governor’s actions, stating there had been no response from the chief minister on the issue at that point.

Vijayan said the matter required serious consideration, alleging it amounted to a “clear violation of constitutional practice and democratic conduct”.

He said the governor is expected to function on the aid and advice of the chief minister and the council of ministers, as mandated by the Constitution. In the present instance, however, he alleged the governor was acting as a “parallel seat of power”.

“It is unconstitutional and a violation of federal rights. On what basis is the governor calling departmental officials directly, issuing directions and interfering in the executive functions of the government?” he asked.

Allegations of overreach and political criticism

Vijayan further said there was growing criticism from various quarters that the new government, after coming to power, was being submissive to the Sangh Parivar.

He added that the governor appeared to be taking advantage of the situation. “It questions the dignity of the state. The chief minister should remember that he has to protect the dignity of the state,” he said. 

CMO says matter taken up with Raj Bhavan

The CMO statement said the government came to know about the meeting through media reports and immediately contacted the governor’s office in the morning seeking clarification.

It added that the governor’s secretary later informed the chief secretary that no special meeting had been convened and that the communication with officials was limited to matters relating to Yoga Day.