Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is witnessing an intense political clash following Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar’s directive for universities to observe August 14 as “Partition Horrors Remembrance Day” with seminars and street plays.
The state government, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has condemned the move as unconstitutional, accusing the Governor of overstepping his authority. Education Minister V. Sivankutty termed the directive an example of “parallel governance”, insisting that such decisions require state cabinet approval.
Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan also criticised the Governor’s decision, calling it a diversion from the anti-imperialist essence of Independence Day celebrations and an attempt to impose a politically motivated agenda.
The Governor’s office, however, has maintained that the day should be marked to remember the human suffering and communal violence during the 1947 Partition, aligning with a nationwide observance initiated by the central government.
The controversy adds to the growing list of confrontations between the state government and the Governor, with political observers warning that such disputes could further strain Centre-state relations in Kerala.