The Governor - Government tussle continues.

The government has decided to bring in an ordinance stripping the Governor off the chancellorship of universities. The Governor has retorted that he will refer the the ordinance to the President, indicating a natural death for the decree.

Governor's Options

* Ask government to cite reason for ordinance

* Refuse to promulgate ordinance citing reasons

* Refer ordinance to President for opinion

Government's Options

* Move Supreme Court against Governor saying that he's not fulfilling obligations

* Unleash campaign by LDF saying Khan backtracked from assurance

Other States that did it

* 2013 Gujarat passes law stripping governor of chancellorship. Bill gets nod in 2015 by new governor.

* 2021 Maharashtra cabinet okays bill that disallows governor from appointing VCs directly. Bill rolled back in Sep 2022 after change in regime.

* Apr 2022 Tamilnadu passes two bills to transfer power of VC appointment from governor to government. Bills yet to receive governor's assent.

* Jun 2022 West Bengal passes legislation making CM as chancellor. Bill returned by governor.

* Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Punjab are planning a similar legislation.

Sticky wicket

Experts say the government will be on a sticky wicket if the governor refers the ordinance to the President. The state will not be able to bring in a Bill on the matter in the Assembly until the president takes a call on the decree.

My take

A typical way of taking action by non-BJP ruled states throwing a spanner on to Federalism.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a quarter past 6, the chores and was ready by 10.

Earlier, Lekha had taken a tumble in the work area and has hurt her left knee. Had gone to the fruit shop to pick up our fruit basket and Raamacham.

The maid had come earlier than usual and finished her work by 4 in the evening.