Criminals hired by Pinarayi Vijayan: Kerala Governor hits out at SFI

Kozhikode: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Saturday alleged that those who protested against him were ‘criminals’hired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The student Federation of India, the student wing of CPI(M), announced protest against the Governor during his visit to the Calicut University.

‘They are all criminals. They have been hired by the chief minister. Whatever protest is there, it is sponsored by the chief minister personally,’NDTV quoted Khan as saying.

Ahead of Khan’s visit, the university yesterday witnessed heavy protest staged by SFI activists.

The SFI called for protest accusing the Governor of pushing the BJP-RSS nominees to senates of universities in Kerala.

The Governor, however, said that he had recommended the names having considered nominations from various sources.

Rubbishing the allegations against him, Khan said ‘I am accountable only to the President of India. Ultimately it is my discretion. Why should I explain it to them? I am not accountable to criminals.’

Khan alleged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was "conspiring to physically harm him" after SFI activists had earlier banged their hands on his vehicle.

The Governor was on the way to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport when the incident took place.

It is reported that black flags were waved at Governor at three places and two activists hit his car.