Kerala Governor and Chief Minister Clash Over Gold Smuggling Remarks
In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, a disagreement has arisen between Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The Governor summoned Kerala Police Chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb and Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan to explain the Chief Minister’s comments on gold smuggling in Malappuram. However, the Chief Minister stated that such summons without informing the government exceed the Governor’s constitutional authority.
Governor Khan had requested explanations regarding allegations of gold smuggling funds being used for anti-State activities and phone tapping by PV Anwar MLA. Despite earlier requests for reports, none were submitted. A media report on September 30 attributed remarks to Chief Minister Vijayan about gold smuggling, which his office later clarified were misattributed.
M V Govindan, the Communist Party of India’s (Marxist) state secretary, accused the media of spreading false narratives. He emphasized that the government has no PR agency and criticized ongoing media skepticism despite clarifications. Govindan also highlighted the role of the Customs department in facilitating gold smuggling at Karipur airport, noting police intervention in related deaths.
The Congress-led United Democratic Front criticized the Chief Minister for allegedly portraying Malappuram, a district with a significant Muslim population, negatively.
Doubts Revealed
Kerala Governor -: The Governor is a person appointed by the President of India to be the head of a state, like Kerala. They have certain powers and duties, like overseeing the state government.
Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the elected head of a state government in India, like Kerala. They are responsible for running the state and making important decisions.
Gold Smuggling -: Gold smuggling is when people illegally bring gold into a country without paying taxes or following the law. It’s like sneaking something into a place where it’s not allowed.
Constitutional Overreach -: Constitutional overreach means when someone, like a government official, does something that goes beyond their legal powers or authority as given by the Constitution of India.
CPI(M) -: CPI(M) stands for the Communist Party of India (Marxist). It’s a political party in India that believes in leftist and socialist ideas.
UDF -: UDF stands for United Democratic Front. It’s a coalition of political parties in Kerala that usually opposes the CPI(M) in elections.
Malappuram -: Malappuram is a district in the state of Kerala, India. It is known for having a large Muslim population.
Customs Department -: The Customs Department is a government agency that checks goods coming into a country to make sure they follow the law and pay the right taxes.
