Introduction:
Tensions escalated in Kerala on Monday as Governor Arif Mohammed Khan accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of orchestrating an attack on him. The Governor alleged a conspiracy for physical harm after activists of the Students Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the ruling CPI(M), reportedly targeted his vehicle while he was inside.
The Incident:
Governor Khan, visibly angered, claimed that CM Vijayan had conspired to send individuals to physically harm him. According to his account, his vehicle was surrounded, and protesters, allegedly directed by the Chief Minister, waved black flags and struck the vehicle. The Governor questioned the security protocol, stating, “Is it possible that if a CM program is going on, cars with protesters will be allowed there?”
Allegations and Arrests:
Governor Khan explicitly accused CM Vijayan of orchestrating the attack, asserting that individuals under the Chief Minister’s influence were sent to inflict physical harm. A source from Raj Bhavan reported that black flags were waved at Khan at three locations, and on two occasions, his car was struck by protesters. The police countered, stating that the Governor’s vehicle was blocked by SFI activists in only one place, leading to the arrest of seven individuals from the student outfit.
Political Fallout:
The incident prompted swift reactions from the political spectrum, with the Congress, UDF opposition, and BJP all accusing CM Vijayan of being behind the alleged attack. Opposition leader VD Satheesan deemed it a historic first in the state’s history and questioned the potential for attempt to murder charges against SFI activists. The Congress demanded stringent action against police officers allegedly involved in the incident.
BJP state chief K Surendran suggested police connivance in the incident, indicating a breakdown of law and order in the state. He alleged that the Left party resorted to attacking the Governor in response to recent Supreme Court verdicts.
Background:
This incident follows a similar one on Sunday when SFI activists waved black flags at Governor Khan near Vazhuthacaud. The Governor was en route to an event organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Tensions between Governor Khan and the state government have been escalating over decision-making on pending bills passed in the assembly, further contributing to the charged political atmosphere in Kerala.