Kochi, November 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Monday banned journalists from Kairali TV and Media One TV from covering a press briefing in Kochin after inviting them.

The sidelining of part of the media has been criticized by both the CPI-M and the UDF led by Congress.

Khan was upset with Media One and said they are settling scores with him over the Shah bano case by giving fake news, while Kairali is a party channel.

He said the Vice Chancellor, whom he appointed to take charge of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University of Kerala, was facing public order issues. There are also threats against him, but he is ready to face them, he added.

Lashing out at left-wing parties for their proposal for a massive protest march outside his official residence by the CPI-M on the 15th of this month, the governor asked them not to wait until then.

Khan said he was willing to participate in a public debate about what is happening in the state and also asked Vijayan to participate.

He is ready to step down, he said, if the state government presents evidence proving he is interfering in governance. It is the reverse, he said, adding that the state government interferes in the functioning of the Raj Bhavan.

“Everyone is free to file a complaint against him or to seek compensation, if he has broken the rules,” he said.

Turning his anger towards Vijayan, Khan said he knew who Vijayan was for a long time, when a young IPS officer brandished a pistol, Vijayan fled.

Responding to the allegations, CPI-M Secretary of State Mr. V. Govindan accused the governor of taking a position that is by no means “acceptable” and called it “totally undemocratic”.

“A Governor must function fairly, without discrimination and in accordance with the Constitution. Here, the Governor violates everything and creates tension. But the CPI-M is not going to budge as the people of Kerala are the final decision makers. Authority and c that’s what we’re going to do,” Govindan said.

Opposition leader VDSatheesan said a person in constitutional office should never resort to partisan behavior.

“Shunning any part of the media is a fascist and undemocratic style of operation and it is by no means acceptable as freedom of the press is of paramount importance,” Satheesan said.

The Kerala Union of Working Journalists also strongly condemned Khan’s reported act of staging a protest outside the Raj Bhavan on Tuesday.

Source: IANS

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