Partition Horrors Day Directive Triggers Political Storm in Kerala
Kerala’s political climate heated up today after Governor Rajendra Arlekar directed all state universities to observe August 14 as ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’. The move, framed as a way to remember the suffering during India’s 1947 partition, has sparked strong backlash from the state government.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Education Minister V. Sivankutty have slammed the Governor’s order, calling it unconstitutional and politically motivated. They argue that decisions on academic observances fall under the elected government’s purview, not the Governor’s unilateral authority.
This clash isn’t isolated—it’s part of a long-running tussle between Kerala’s Left-led government and the Governor over control of universities, appointments, and policy directions. Critics see the Governor’s directive as an overreach, while supporters argue it’s a legitimate effort to acknowledge a pivotal chapter in Indian history.
Key Points:
The directive applies to all state universities.
The CM and Education Minister say it bypasses constitutional limits on the Governor’s role.
The issue is expected to add fuel to the ongoing state-centre tensions in Kerala.
With August 14 around the corner, it remains to be seen whether universities will comply or side with the state government’s stance.
