Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala): Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Sunday said that historian Irfan Habib had tried to charge at him at the inauguration of the 80th Indian History Congress at Kannur University.
"I sent a renowned Malayali writer on my behalf to call those who were protesting, for a discussion, but they said that they were here to protest and not for discussion. So I said that when you shut the doors of discussion then it creates an environment of violence and hate followed by a sentence of Gandhiji. The moment I said this, Irfan Habibji got up from his seat and wanted to charge me," Khan told.
"My ADC stopped him and then he (Habib) went behind the sofa and came from the other side. He was stopped by my security, ADC and others. Since he stood on the stage, some protesters created a ruckus there," Khan added.
The Kerala Governor said that the organisers had stretched the program with some speakers speaking against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and Kashmir issue while he was on the stage at the inauguration ceremony.
Refuting allegations that he was taking a political stand during his speech, the Governor said he was merely defending the Constitution and the law as per the responsibility which came with the post.
"I have taken an oath to protect and preserve the Constitution and the law. It is my duty and the duty of every person holding a constitutional office to defend a law which is passed by the Parliament," Khan said.