Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] State secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, on Sunday, appeared to walk the tightrope between preserving the prerogative of the elected State government and avoiding discord with Raj Bhavan over pressing questions regarding the constitutional limits on executive authority.
When asked about Governor Arif Mohammed Khan's statement that any attempt by the government to impose its will on Raj Bhavan would precipitate a constitutional crisis, Mr. Balakrishnan struck a stern tone. "Nobody could aspire to create any constitutional crisis here. The government knows how to handle the situation if it worsens beyond a point. Such an undesirable eventuality would prompt party intervention. However, no such grave political circumstance prevails currently".
Mr. Balakrishnan said the Centre routinely used Governors to challenge elected governments in several non-BJP ruled States. The people would resist such bids to undermine federalism.
CM-Governor meeting
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had met Mr. Khan at the Raj Bhavan on the eve of the Assembly session as part of the custom, he said. Mr. Vijayan also wanted the Governor to deliver the policy address approved by the Cabinet. If the Assembly did not get off to a smooth start, the political narrative would have turned against the government.
Hence, the government averted a crisis by making certain amends. The Governor reciprocated by correcting course. “The government resolved the issue. The CPI(M) sees no reason to revisit the episode repeatedly. It is now in the past,” he said.
Mr. Balakrishnan struck a conciliatory note by stating the CPI(M) did not desire constant conflict between the government and Raj Bhavan. Ideally, both constitutional offices should share a harmonious relationship moored to law and courteous discourse.
However, the government would not agree to unconstitutional demands even if pushed for by the Governor.
On pension scheme
Mr. Khan has no authority to insist that the government scrap the pension scheme for political persons appointed by Ministers in their offices. The policy would remain unchanged despite Mr. Khan's warning that he would dismantle it. Successive governments have pursued the policy since 1984.
The government had brought resolutions in the Assembly against the patently anti-Muslim Citizenship Amendment Act and farm laws despite opposition from Raj Bhavan. The CPI(M) would not change tack simply because the Governor demanded so. It was willing to take up the gauntlet to defend constitutional propriety and federalism.
