Thiruvananthapuram, June 18 (IANS) Leader of Opposition and CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday launched a strong attack against Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, alleging that he was attempting to function as a parallel administration by convening meetings with government officials.

Reacting to the Governor calling meetings of various departments ahead of International Yoga Day, Vijayan said the move was against established democratic practices and constitutional conventions.

“This is a very serious issue. The Governor is moving towards becoming a parallel administrative authority, which cannot be accepted,” he remarked, questioning the silence of the new government.

He said Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan was responsible for protecting the authority and dignity of the state government and should make his position clear.

Vijayan recalled that in 2024, when the then Governor had sought reports from the Chief Secretary and the State Police Chief, the previous government had strongly opposed the move.

The former Chief Minister also attacked the UDF government over its decision to proceed with the Centre’s PM‑SHRI education scheme, accusing the Congress and IUML of earlier creating a controversy over the issue.

He said the previous Left government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre after Kerala’s Samagra Shiksha funds were stopped, but the agreement was later kept in abeyance.

Vijayan argued that signing a MoU did not mean the scheme had been implemented, and cited Punjab’s decision to exit the PM‑SHRI programme nine months after signing it.

He demanded that the UDF government explain why it decided to proceed with the scheme after previously opposing it.

He also questioned claims that Kerala had received funds under PM‑SHRI, saying the allocations were under the Samagra Shiksha programme.

He further raised concerns about the public health system, alleging shortages of medicines and staff amid a rise in communicable diseases. Nearly 400 doctors cleared by the PSC were still awaiting appointment, he said.

–IANS

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