Governor Arlekar's Address to Kerala Assembly Goes Off Without a Hitch
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Synopsis
In a notable departure from the tumultuous tenure of his predecessor, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar's inaugural address before the Kerala Legislative Assembly was smooth and free of incidents, signaling a potential shift in state governance dynamics.
Key Takeaways
- Governor Arlekar's address was incident-free.
- Marks the start of the 13th legislative session.
- Governor's speech lasted under two hours.
- Contrast to predecessor's controversial tenure.
- New dynamics in state governance observed.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 17 (NationPress) In stark contrast to the tumultuous period of his predecessor Arif Mohammad Khan, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar delivered a seamless inaugural address as Kerala's Governor to the 140-member Legislative Assembly (KLA) on Friday, free from any incidents.
This event signified the beginning of the 13th session of the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly, a traditional occasion where the Governor presents an address on the first day of the calendar year's session.
The session, set to conclude on March 28, comprises 27 sitting days.
Upon his arrival at the Assembly, Governor Arlekar was received by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other dignitaries. He articulated an 88-page speech in just under two hours, distinguishing himself from Khan's controversial term.
During his final address in 2024, Khan stirred controversy by reading only the introductory and concluding paragraphs of his speech before leaving the Assembly abruptly.
Similarly, in 2022, tensions escalated between CM Vijayan and Governor Khan when Khan declined to endorse the Governor's address following a dispute involving senior IAS officer K.R. Jyothilal.
This controversy erupted after Jyothilal's unprecedented appointment of a senior journalist in the Governor's office, prompting Khan to demand Jyothilal's dismissal. While the official was temporarily removed, Vijayan reinstated him a few months later, demonstrating his resolute leadership.
Khan's term was riddled with disputes, often spilling into the public sphere. His rapport with Vijayan and the cabinet was marred by frequent verbal confrontations. Notably, when Khan departed from the Governor's House, neither Chief Minister Vijayan nor any ministers attended his farewell, marking a notable snub.
In contrast, recent events raised eyebrows when Vijayan interrupted a media briefing, emphasizing the need to reach the airport to welcome the new Governor—a gesture indicative of a new chapter in the dynamics of state governance.
