Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has returned the ordinance seeking to remove him as the chancellor of Universities in the State, without signing it. The ordinance was sent to the Governor for his assent.

Earlier this month, the state cabinet had decided to issue the ordinance stripping the Governor of the chancellorship of state universities. However, the Governor returned the ordinance without signing it. He did so even as the government had made it clear that it would bring in legislation to this effect in the coming Assembly session, starting from 5 December.

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The Governor has been firm on his stand not to sign the ordinance as it dealt with curtailing his powers as chancellor. He maintained that the post of chancellor was not a favour bestowed by the state government, but as per a consensus at the national level.

Earlier on Wednesday, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan said the ordinance by the Left Front government seeking to remove him as the chancellor of universities has become “infructuous” now as the Assembly is summoned.

On recent news reports that Raj Bhavan sought extra vehicles from the government for the Governor’s guests, he asked whether he should ask his guests coming to Raj Bhavan to walk on foot.

“If extra guests come to Raj Bhavan, extra vehicles would be sought from the government. What is special about it? If the guests of the Governor come, should I ask them to walk on foot?” he told media persons.