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The departure of Governor Arif Mohammed Khan from Kerala marked the end of a turbulent five-year term. His exit was notably devoid of the usual ceremonial farewell, a stark contrast to the customary send-offs afforded to outgoing governors. While the Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, and his cabinet colleagues remained absent from a final meeting at Raj Bhavan, the government's presence was represented by the Chief Secretary, Sarada Muraleedharan, ADGP Manoj Abraham, and District Collector Anu Kumari. This conspicuous absence highlights the strained relationship between the Governor and the state government throughout his tenure.
Interestingly, Khan's final moments in the state capital were punctuated by an unexpected farewell from a group of SFI activists at Pettah. This same location had witnessed a far more confrontational encounter just months prior, when SFI activists waved black flags at the Governor, prompting a memorable response from Khan himself. This contrast emphasizes the complex and often contradictory nature of public opinion and political interactions within Kerala's vibrant political landscape. The incident at Kerala University's Sanskrit department seminar further underscores the tension between the Governor and certain segments of the state's population.
Addressing the media at Thiruvananthapuram airport, Khan expressed his profound gratitude for the love and affection he received from the people of Kerala during his five-year tenure. He emphasized the special place the state holds in his heart, stating his bond with Kerala is lifelong. His heartfelt statement, delivered in Malayalam, further underscored his connection to the state's culture and people. However, he remained circumspect regarding the absence of the Chief Minister and his cabinet at the Raj Bhavan. Rather than expressing displeasure, he chose to conclude his tenure with kind words, attributing the lack of an official farewell to the nation's mourning of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Khan's careful avoidance of criticizing the state government underscores a strategic approach to his departure. He minimized the controversy surrounding his relationship with the Chief Minister, focusing instead on his appreciation for the people of Kerala. By explicitly stating that, aside from the university incident, his relationship with the state government was largely without significant issues, he attempts to frame his departure not as a conflict-ridden end, but as a transition marked by respect for the citizens he served. This nuanced perspective avoids escalating tensions and fosters a less combative conclusion to his governorship.
The comparison with his predecessor, Justice P Sathasivam, was explicitly sidestepped by Khan. He highlighted the differing styles of governance adopted by both individuals, acknowledging that contrasting approaches are possible and appropriate in fulfilling the role of Governor. By avoiding a direct comparison, Khan demonstrates a mature understanding of the distinct characteristics involved in navigating the complexities of intergovernmental relations. This reflects a self-awareness and respect for the uniqueness of his own tenure compared to his predecessor's.
Khan’s departure from Kerala leaves a lasting impression of a politically charged yet personally significant tenure. The contrast between the unanticipated farewell from SFI activists and the absence of official recognition from the state government highlights the multifaceted nature of his governorship. His chosen approach in his parting statement reveals a deliberate attempt to balance his own experiences with the broader political context of the state and nation. Ultimately, the memory of his time in Kerala will be shaped not only by the controversies but also by his expressed appreciation for the state and its people.
The incident involving SFI and the lack of an official farewell are symbolic representations of the Governor's complex relationship with the Kerala government. The black flag protest served as a potent demonstration of opposition, while the absence of the Chief Minister at the farewell highlights the evident lack of cordiality between the executive and the gubernatorial offices. These events form a compelling backdrop against which to understand his tenure's broader political and social implications.
The significance of Khan's concluding statements in Malayalam adds another layer of complexity to his departure. His choice to address the public in the local language underlines his attempt to connect with the common people of Kerala, separate from his sometimes strained interactions with the state government. It is a deliberate effort to create a narrative of personal connection with the citizenry, distancing himself from the broader political disputes that marked his time in office.
Source: Bond with state lifelong, saysoutgoing governor AM Khan