Kerala Government Criticizes Governor for Overstepping Authority Ahead of International Yoga Day
The Kerala government has expressed its discontent with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar's recent meeting regarding preparations for International Yoga Day. The administration argues that such meetings should be under the elected government's jurisdiction. Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the Governor's actions as a breach of constitutional norms, questioning the legality of his direct engagement with departmental officials. This situation has sparked concerns about the dignity of the state and the balance of power between the Governor and the elected government. Read on to discover more about this unfolding political drama in Kerala.
| Jun 19, 2026, 12:50 IST
Kerala's Government Expresses Discontent Over Governor's Actions
The Congress-led administration in Kerala has voiced its displeasure regarding Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar's decision to convene a meeting with department heads and university vice-chancellors to review preparations for 'International Yoga Day' (IDY). In a letter addressed to the Raj Bhavan, the government asserted that such meetings fall within the purview of the elected government’s responsibilities.
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On Wednesday, Arlekar chaired a meeting with vice-chancellors, senior officials, and department heads to discuss the celebration of IDY. The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) issued a statement indicating that the Chief Secretary had expressed the government's dissatisfaction in a letter to the Lok Bhavan, urging that such occurrences be prevented in the future. The Chief Secretary also emphasized that organizing such meetings is an executive function of the government. This statement from the CMO followed criticism from the opposition leader in the state assembly, Pinarayi Vijayan, who pointed out the lack of response from the Chief Minister regarding the Governor's actions.
Vijayan remarked that this situation warrants serious consideration as it represents a clear violation of constitutional norms and democratic practices. He noted that the Constitution anticipates the Governor to act based on the advice of the Chief Minister and the council of ministers, yet in this instance, the Governor appears to be functioning as a parallel authority to the central government. He questioned the legality of the Governor summoning departmental officials, issuing directives, and interfering in the government's executive functions.
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Vijayan further stated that there has been widespread criticism suggesting that the new government is yielding to the Sangh Parivar after coming to power. He expressed concern that the Governor seems to be taking advantage of this situation, which raises questions about the dignity of the state. The Chief Minister must remember his duty to uphold the state's honor.
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