I will never succumb to pressure, says Kerala Governor amid Raj Bhavan protest

Thiruvananthapuram: Amid the protests organised by the ruling CPI-M-led Left supporters at Raj Bhavan, Kerala Governor Arif Muhammed Khan said that everybody has the right to protest democratically but he will never succumb to pressure.

"All have the right to protest but no one can arm-twist me. I will perform my duties in the most earnest manner," said Khan

The ruling left has organised a protest against the Governor before his official residence over his alleged interference in the higher education system of the state. Thousands of left supporters gathered for the event.

But neither CM nor his cabinet colleagues took part in the agitation.

The governor stated that he has nothing personal against anyone but stands for the progress of the higher education sector.

"I was frustrated as after giving me assurances, interference continued. Now that the judgments from the Supreme Court and Kerala High Court have come, it's not possible to interfere in the affairs of the Universities. If anyone shows me one instance where I intervened, I will resign, but I can point out hundreds of instances. Universities cannot function as a department of political parties," he said.

Pointing at the plight of students leaving the state for higher education the Governor said: "A four-year course in Kerala takes more than five years to get completed. Bharath Ratna Prof C.N.R. Rao in his letter said research in Kerala Universities has come to a standstill as bright students are leaving the state."

He also complained about the functioning of the CM's office and his private secretary, who according to the governor is trying to appoint his relative to one of the Universities.

"I have queries to be placed before the Chief Minister in certain Bills and I am waiting for him to come and explain. They know what they have done is not right and hence will not come," added Khan.

-IANS with Inputs