Kerala Assembly sees heated arguments after Speaker blocks discussion on former Governor's PSC move

Heated Assembly Exchange

The Kerala Assembly on Monday saw a heated exchange between Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan. Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan denied permission to Mr. Vijayan's submission regarding former Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar's recommendation to the President for the removal of Kerala Public Service Commission chairperson M.R. Baiju. Citing the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Assembly, the Speaker stated that the House must avoid discussing issues involving the President or the Governor. Mr. Vijayan opposed this by pointing out that former Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan had allowed an opposition resolution in 2020 urging the President to recall then Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. Mr. Vijayan argued that the matter involves constitutional values and the PSC, adding that Article 163 states the Governor acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers. Chief Minister Satheesan interjected to say the government must answer if the opposition continues to raise the matter despite the Speaker's ruling. Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph added that everyone must follow a Speaker's ruling once issued. The Speaker later noted that the Business Advisory Committee will discuss whether the issue can be taken up in coming days.

Controversy And Reactions

The dispute follows a wider row over the former Governor's recommendation. The CPI(M) State secretariat labeled the move unconstitutional and asked the Chief Minister to clarify his stand on the recommendation to dissolve the PSC. While the Chief Minister has not stated his position, most UDF Ministers supported the move on Sunday. However, Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar, Sports Minister O.J. Janeesh, and a few others called it a constitutional impropriety for the former Governor to make a hasty recommendation without the government's knowledge while an investigation was ongoing. The CPI(M) also accused Mr. Satheesan of sharing a friendly relationship with the former Governor, who they claim implemented Sangh Parivar policies in Kerala. Additional opposition allegations of a deal between the government and the BJP emerged following a government send-off programme for Mr. Arlekar, who left the State last week.

Context

The Kerala Public Service Commission is a constitutional body responsible for selecting candidates for civil service jobs in the State. Relations between state governments and Governors appointed by the central authorities frequently face political friction over administrative jurisdictions and constitutional powers in India.