Thiruvananthapuram: In response to the interview controversy, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has received a rebuttal from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The Chief Minister stated that the government has nothing to hide. He protested against the Governor’s remarks about the Chief Minister lacking credibility. The controversy arose from comments made in the CM’s interview with the Hindu Daily, particularly regarding Malappuram. The Chief Minister clarified, “Gold smuggling is an anti-national activity. I was referring to how anti-national forces exploit situations. The Governor should not provide interpretations that were not stated. The delay in responding was to gather information.”
The Chief Minister strongly protested the Governor’s assertion that he lacked credibility and reminded the Governor of his constitutional limits.
In the interview controversy, the Governor mentioned that he would inform the President about the matter. He also stated that the Chief Secretary and DGP, who had not appeared for inquiries regarding serious issues affecting national interests, should no longer come to the Raj Bhavan for any matter.
The Governor clarified that officials must seek the Chief Minister’s permission to visit the Raj Bhavan for official matters, while personal visits are always welcomed.
