For the first time in the history of Kerala, a Governor has withdrawn his “pleasure” over an important member of the council of Ministers in the State. Governor Arif Mohammed Khan in a letter to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said he is left with no option but to convey that Finance Minister KN Balagopal has ceased to enjoy his pleasure over some of the statements the Minister made to the media which was widely reported. However, the CM firmly turned down his demand.
The Governor said the statements of Balagopal were nothing short of violation of the path of office the Governor had administered on him. “A Minister who deliberately violates the oath and undermines the unity and integrity of India cannot continue to enjoy my pleasure,” said the Governor in his letter to the CM despatched on Tuesday and copies of which were released to the media on Wednesday.
What prompted the Governor to withdraw his pleasure over Balagopal, the self-styled economist and the blue eyed boy of Vijayan was the statement he gave to the media on October 19.
Referring to the ongoing tussle between the Governor and the State Government over the appointment and dismissal of vice-chancellors in the State universities, Balagopal has said, “Some people who are accustomed to the practices in places like Uttar Pradesh might not be able to understand the democratic nature in which universities function in Kerala.” Balagopal also said vice chancellors in universities including Banaras Hindu University required protection by armed security personnel.