The Kerala Lok Bhavan issued a strong response to Assembly Speaker A.N. Shamseer’s comments regarding a confidential letter from Governor Rajendra Arlekar. The Governor’s office denied the Speaker’s allegations, stating that all constitutional protocols were strictly adhered to. They refuted claims that the letter’s contents were leaked to the media before reaching the Speaker.
The Lok Bhavan criticized the Speaker for publicly addressing the issue, stating that it goes against established norms. They emphasized Governor Arlekar’s commitment to constitutional propriety and institutional dignity in all communications with the Legislature. The statement described public doubts about these principles as “regrettable” and cautioned against undermining the dignity of high constitutional offices.
Following Speaker Shamseer’s displeasure over the confidential letter, the Governor’s office clarified that the Speaker was duly served the original letter. The Speaker had raised concerns about the letter’s contents, which allegedly requested video footage of a statement by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. This incident adds to existing tensions between the Governor’s office and the elected government in Kerala, sparking a broader discussion on gubernatorial discretion and legislative privilege.
