Kerala: Guv asks CM to sack finance min for ‘violating oath’

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has written to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan informing he has “ceased to enjoy pleasure” in Finance Minister K N Balagopal, accusing him of making speech undermining unity, and urged the CM to take constitutionally appropriate action against his cabinet colleague, a demand turned down by the latter.
The Chief Minister has shot back a letter to the Governor rejecting his demand seeking action against Balagopal, an official source told PTI.
He reiterated his trust in Balagopal, saying it remains “undiminished.” In his letter, the Governor did not explicitly seek the removal/withdrawal of Balagopal from the LDF cabinet but it seemed to be the essence of his communication to Vijayan.
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan slams Kerala’s Finance Minister for raising question that how, the governor, who hails from Uttar Pradesh can understand Kerala’s education system? This is how these people want to divide our nation. They must be called out & condemned by all!! pic.twitter.com/lThQN655EQ — Priti Gandhi – प्रीति गांधी (@MrsGandhi) October 23, 2022 Also Read Kerala: Kairali, MediaOne among 4 channels barred from Raj Bhavan A highly placed source said that in his response, Vijayan said that from a constitutional perspective and factoring in the democratic conventions and traditions of the country, the statement cannot warrant a ground for cessation of enjoyment of the Governor’s pleasure.
The Governor will appreciate that no further action needs to be taken in the matter, Vijayan said, according to the source.