CPI(M) leader M.V. Govindan accuses BJP of using Governor to target Kerala PSC

Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] Keralam State secretary M.V. Govindan on Sunday (October 25, 2026) said former Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar’s reported recommendation to the President seeking the removal of the chairperson and members of the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) is unconstitutional and part of an attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to undermine an institution that has been functioning effectively.

Speaking to reporters in Kannur, Mr. Govindan said the Constitution prescribed a specific procedure for the removal of PSC members and that any attempt to remove them without following the established process would be contrary to constitutional provisions.

Under Article 316, PSC members are appointed for a term of six years. If allegations of misconduct or other grounds for removal arise during their tenure, the procedure prescribed under Article 317 must be followed. The Supreme Court has a role in examining such matters and removal on the grounds covered by the provision must follow the constitutionally mandated process, Mr. Govindan said.

He pointed out that there was no case pending before the Supreme Court against the PSC and that the court had made no adverse observations against the commission.

‘Significant role’

The PSC had played a significant role in public recruitment, providing a susbtantial share of government employment opportunities in the country, he said. The leader claimed that Keralam accounted for more than 60% of the government jobs filled through public service commissions across India, with the remaining share accounted for by all the other States combined.

The reported recommendation, he alleged, was part of an attempt by the BJP to use the Governor’s office to undermine the PSC, despite its record of functioning effectively.

Mr. Govindan also sought the response of Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and his Cabinet to the former Governor’s reported move. He referred to the Chief Minister’s warm farewell to Mr. Arlekar, including an enthusiastic embrace and asked whether the State government supported the reported recommendation.

He asked the Chief Minister to clarify his position on the issue and explain whether they endorsed the Governor’s action or opposed it.

‘Broader political effort’

The leader alleged that the Governor’s actions were part of a broader political effort to influence higher education institutions in Keralam. He claimed that the United Democratic Front (UDF), the Congress, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the BJP had acted in concert on issues concerning appointments to university bodies and institutions.

Mr. Govindan cited appointments to university board of studies, Syndicates, senates and other bodies as well as decisions involving senior officials. He alleged that people associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) had been appointed to a majority of boards of studies. The reported move against the PSC, he said, was a continuation of this trend.

SMA drug issue

The CPI(M) leader also criticised the Health Minister’s response to questions raised by three former Health Ministers at a recent press conference on medicines labelled for “clinical trails” supplied to patients, including children.

The concern, he said, was about patient safety and the potential risks to children whose lives could be put at risk. He maintained that the question concerned the authorisation and distrubution of medicines intended for clinical trials, rather that the use of generic medicines in general.

“Instead of addressing the issue, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan and others allegedly attempted to portray the CPI(M) aand the former Ministers as being opposed to generic medicines.”

He said the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had purchased and supplied generic medicines, including medicies for patients with spinal muscular atrophy and cancer among other conditions. Mr. Govindan said the LDF government had also authoritised the procurement and distribution of 1,037 medicines, demonstrating its support for affordable generic medicines.

He accused the Health Minister of diverting attention from these questions by emphasising the benefits of generic medicines and the savings they offered.

Mr. Govindan said the issue raised by the three former Ministers was not in opposition to generic medicines or their affordability. Instead it was about who had authorised the purchase and distribution of medicines marked for clinical trials before the necessary assessments were completed.