He took a chair from a shop on the busy MC Road in Kollam and sat by the roadside demanding action against the agitators.
Published Jan 27, 2024 | 1:54 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 27, 2024 | 2:43 PM
Governor Khan staged a roadside protest against SFI protestors in Kollam. (Screengrab)
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, on Saturday, 27 January, got out of his vehicle and sat in front of a wayside shop demanding the arrest of SFI activists who protested against him in Nilamel in Kollam.
He took a chair from the shop on the busy MC Road in Kollam and sat by the side of the road, demanding action against the agitators. “I don’t mind black flags being waved but agitators are attacking my car,” alleged the Governor.
In the visuals aired on TV channels, a visibly angry Khan could be seen talking tough to the police personnel. Besides police, his officials and local people gathered in large numbers.
The official handle of Kerala Governor had shared on X, that the Union home ministry has extended Z+ security to Governor Khan.
Union Home Ministry has informed Kerala Raj Bhavan that Z+ Security cover of CRPF is being extended to Hon’ble Governor and Kerala Raj Bhavan :PRO,KeralaRajBhavan
— Kerala Governor (@KeralaGovernor) January 27, 2024
Several activists of the ruling CPI(M)’s students’ wing Student Federation of India (SFI) staged a black flag protest against the Governor when he was on his way to nearby Kottarakkara for a function.
The Governor came out of his official car in Kollam, chased SFI protestors, and sat on the roadside as a sign of protest. He said that a failed police system brought in such a crisis.
#Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan moves out of his official car in Kollam, chases SFI protestors and sits on the roadside seeking action on the agitators.
He said a failed police system brought in such a crisis.
“I don’t mind black flags being waved but agitators are… pic.twitter.com/KxpnBkQEsH
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) January 27, 2024
In early January, a similar incident took place, when activists from the SFI waved black flags at Khan in many places when he travelled by road from Kochi to Thodupuzha.
Governor Khan exited the car at one location in Idukki and mingled with the locals who came out of their homes to greet him.
On the same day, 9 January, a hartal was called by the ruling CPI(M) because the Governor refused to give his consent to the Kerala Government Land Assignment (Amendment) Bill of 2023,
Though the Bill was passed unanimously by the Kerala Assembly in September last year, citing the land assignment-related hurdles faced by the residents of Idukki, it is still pending with Khan.
The Bill, once it becomes law, would empower the state government to regularise any contravention of the conditions attached to the patta (land document) and that of the rules made after the enactment of the original Act in 1960.
It would also allow the government to permit the assignee of land to use the land for purposes other than for which it was assigned.
Meanwhile, Khan said he would not be scared by protests. He also said that attempts to pressurise him would not work, and he wouldn’t remain a rubber-stamp leader.
Referencing to the Kozhikode example, when he walked through the busy SM Street, he said he was willing to walk on the road if necessary.
Khan surprised everyone in December 2023 by refusing to walk across Kozhikode’s bustling SM Boulevard. He drove from the campus to SM Street after announcing that he would no longer accept police protection.
In the images aired on TV news outlets, Khan was seen mingling with adults and kids in school uniforms on the crowded street after getting out of his car.
Later, when he strolled down the street on foot, numerous store owners could be seen beckoning him inside and offering him treats. During his stroll, Khan also picked up and cuddled a baby, besides posing for pictures with other people.
After the walk, he remarked, “I’m overwhelmed by the people’s reception.”
During the walk, the district authority dispatched a large force for him even though he denied police security.
Khan and the Left government have been at loggerheads over several issues, primarily about the functioning of universities in the state and his non-signing of certain bills passed by the assembly.
Amid the face-off, on Thursday, 25 January, the Governor had finished his customary policy address to the Kerala Assembly within two minutes, reading out only the last paragraph.
(With PTI inputs)
