Kerala Governor’s Directive To Observe “Partition Horror Day” Triggers Controversy
Education Minister Sivankutty slams move: Reports
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar's directive to universities to observe August 14 as ‘Partition Horror Day’ has sparked a major controversy: This is the first time universities in Kerala have been directed to mark the day on the eve of Independence Day.
Kerala Raj Bhavan issued a circular to Vice Chancellors of all universities to submit proposals regarding the observance of the day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had declared August 14 as ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’ in 2021.
The communique, issued on behalf of the Governor, stated: "I am directed to inform that August 14 has been declared as 'Partition Horror Day." Universities can organise seminars to commemorate this occasion. They can prepare dramas on this, which can be performed for the public to show how terrible the partition was.”
Kerala education minister V Sivankutty criticised the directive, accusing Governor Arlekar of running a "parallel governance system" in the state. "I fail to understand what authority he has to issue such a directive. He does not have such powers. Such directives can't be considered part of the Governor's day-to-day administrative work," the minister said.
Opposition Leader in Kerala Assembly V.D. Satheeshan also criticised the Governor's move, calling it "unconstitutional." In a statement, he said, "Governor Arlekar, who holds a constitutional post, has yet again shown that he continues to represent the divisive politics of the RSS. His actions are unconstitutional.”
Satheeshan urged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to break his silence and officially convey the state government's stance to Raj Bhavan.
