Governor’s Direct Call to State Police Chief Deemed Undemocratic, Says Opposition

Opposition leader Pinaraï Vijan described Governor Arlekar's recent phone call to the Kerala police chief as a blatant breach of democratic norms. Vijan highlighted that the governor bypassed both the chief minister and the home minister, violating the principle that the governor acts on ministerial advice. He reminded the audience of the 2016 Supreme Court verdict in the Nabam Rebia case, which restricts the governor's discretionary power under Article 163. Vijan warned that such unilateral actions could eventually enable the central government to gain control over the state's police force. He also criticized the UDF cabinet for its passive stance, accusing it of compromising the elected government's authority. Vijan urged the council of ministers to demand a written explanation from the governor and to reaffirm the constitutional boundaries that separate ceremonial duties from executive functions.