New Delhi: In a Republic Day parade speech marked by subtle jabs at the Pinarayi Vijayan government, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan lauded the central government a day after limiting his address to the first and last paragraphs in the state Assembly.
Governor Khan's strained relationship with Chief Minister Vijayan was evident during the event, where they sat side by side without interaction.
Addressing the gathering, Khan paid tribute to the nation's builders and martyrs, emphasising India's commitment to the rule of law and faith in citizen supremacy. He acknowledged India's 76 years of striving for progress, describing the nation as an extraordinary success story.
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Khan urged the nation to draw inspiration from India's cultural heritage during the Amrit Kaal, fostering self-confidence to realise the dreams of freedom fighters. He highlighted India's achievements in real-time payments, 5G user base, and global exports exceeding $400 billion, positioning India as a potential superpower.
Touching on cooperative federalism, Khan stressed the need for support from all stakeholders, including state governments. While briefly acknowledging Kerala's accomplishments, he urged the state's residents to nurture a healthier democracy, emphasising the importance of constructive public discourse and discouraging dissent escalating into violence.
Khan underscored the role of education in transforming society, advocating for autonomous higher education institutions free from external interference. He called for a culture of greater civility, empathy, and dialogue, discouraging power-driven arguments against the democratic spirit.
The strained relationship between Governor Khan and Chief Minister Vijayan was palpable as they neither acknowledged nor exchanged pleasantries during the event. The customary dinner hosted by Khan for VVIPs on Republic Day is now awaited, with speculation about whether Chief Minister Vijayan and his family will attend.