In a surprising turn of events, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan delivered what is being deemed the shortest-ever policy address in the history of the state Assembly, leaving political circles and the public puzzled. On the first day of the new session, Governor Khan concluded his speech in under two minutes, choosing to read only the last paragraph of his 61-page policy document.
The governor’s swift exit from the Assembly without engaging with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan or Speaker AN Shamseer added fuel to the already strained relationship between the state government and the Raj Bhavan. Despite being welcomed with flower bouquets, Governor Khan refrained from shaking hands or exchanging pleasantries with the chief minister.
Beginning his address at 9 am, Governor Khan, after the customary greetings, flipped directly to the final paragraph, emphasizing the importance of upholding the values of democracy, secularism, federalism, and social justice. The governor’s abrupt departure by 9:04 am, without any further interaction, marked a stark departure from the usual protocol observed during such sessions.
Opposition Leader VD Satheesan condemned the governor’s actions, interpreting them as a blatant display of disrespect towards the Assembly. Satheesan stated, “He has acted in contempt of the legislative procedures and constitutional directives. It was a sad end to the political drama between the state government and the governor in the Assembly.”
While Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has not publicly commented on the matter, Culture Minister Saji Cheriyan speculated that health issues might have prompted the governor’s unusual approach. Cheriyan remarked, “The governor may have had some health issues. If he had some health issues, he can take such a move (of omitting to read out the policy address.)”
As the controversy unfolds, the truncated policy speech raises questions about the underlying tensions between the Kerala government and the Raj Bhavan, leaving the public eager for further explanations and resolutions in the days ahead.
Sources By Agencies
