Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 24 (NationPress) A constitutional conflict has intensified between the Kerala administration and Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar regarding the policy address. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan firmly stated that only the version of the address that received Cabinet approval is valid under established regulations and traditions.

In his remarks to the Assembly, Vijayan emphasized that the Cabinet's sanctioned policy decisions are the only accepted versions according to current rules.

He highlighted that previous governors, such as Arif Mohammed Khan, had delivered the policy address in just 1 minute and 22 seconds, yet the entire content was ultimately accepted, as noted by CM Vijayan.

Following this assertion, Speaker A.N. Shamseer acknowledged Vijayan's statement, undermining the Governor's claim.

This latest conflict arose after the Governor sent a letter to Speaker Shamseer, asserting that the version he presented in the Assembly on January 20 should be recognized as the official address, rather than the text approved by the Council of Ministers and released to the public.

On January 20, Vijayan, after escorting the Governor on the opening day of the session, informed the Assembly about the discrepancies from the Cabinet-approved version.

He pointed out that specific clauses had been omitted or modified and insisted that the address approved by the government should remain the definitive policy statement.

According to the Chief Minister, Clause 12, which addressed Kerala's significant financial difficulties stemming from adverse actions by the Union government affecting fiscal federalism, was left out.

Clause 15 saw the removal of the final two sentences related to outstanding state Bills and the government's intention to approach the Supreme Court and a Constitution Bench.

Clause 16, which pertains to the state's constitutional rights regarding tax revenues and Finance Commission grants, was included but altered with the addition of the phrase 'my government believes.'

Referencing Article 176 of the Constitution, CM Vijayan stated that the Governor's address during the first session of the year is based on the assistance and counsel of the Council of Ministers.

He noted that historical rulings by the Chair have consistently validated the Cabinet-approved text as the legitimate document presented to the House.

Speaker Shamseer also supported the Chief Minister that any divergence from the Cabinet-approved text contravenes legislative norms and confirmed that the official version circulated to members and the media would be the one authorized by the government.

This incident exacerbates the ongoing tensions between the Raj Bhavan and the elected government, raising new inquiries regarding constitutional practices and Centre-State relations.