Thiruvananthapuram: CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Friday lashed out at the Kerala governor Arif Mohammed Khan for his criticism over the resolution passed against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the state assembly.
Speaking to media, Yechury said, "It's unfortunate that the government does not understand the Constitution of India. He is unaware of the powers of the states and the legislature."
"Governor is the representative of President of India. Their role is to uphold the constitution and not to transgress it, "he added.
Earlier, Khan said he was not a rubber stamp and would apply his mind. Khan was reacting to the media after reports surfaced that he refused to sign an ordinance approved by the Kerala cabinet to increase the number of members in local bodies.
"I make it clear the Constitution doesn't expect me to be a rubber stamp. I have to apply my mind. I will need time to go through what the ordinance is all about. With the House session to be convened soon, what was the need? I have raised some questions. After getting answers, I will apply my mind. I never said I will not sign," said Khan.
When pointed out that the government would return it (ordinance) to him, if he didn't sign, Khan shot back, "Who said so? There is nothing like that."
Khan has been taking a tough stance over the manner the Vijayan government has been treating the CAA. He also attacked the Vijayan government for challenging the CAA in the Supreme Court.
"There is a legal maxim -- neither I nor anyone is above the law. I'm not against anyone approaching the judiciary. With me being the constitutional head of the state, they (the state government) should have informed me about it. I came to know about it through the newspapers," he said.
"Some people here, think they are above law," Khan remarked.
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