CRPF Cover for Kerala Governor Sparks Jurisdictional Debate

The decision by the Central government to provide CRPF security cover for Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has ignited a broader debate on the jurisdictional boundaries between the Centre and the State, raising questions about cooperative federalism. The move, ostensibly made due to concerns about the adequacy of state law enforcement, has irked the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF).

The LDF alleges that the BJP-led Union government’s response is politically motivated and more about optics than legal efficacy. Governor Khan denies seeking CRPF protection, and the LDF contends that the Centre’s intervention breaches constitutional principles.

The CPI(M) asserts that the CRPF deployment won’t deter protests, and LDF convener E.P. Jayarajan argues that the move implies the Centre’s policing role in Kerala, not envisaged in the Constitution. The political skirmish continues, with accusations and counter-accusations from both sides.