'Organised attempt to undermine credibility of PSC must be resisted collectively'; Pinarayi Vijayan accuses former Governor Arlekar of abusing power 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan has accused former Governor Rajendra Arlekar of abusing his powers by recommending the removal of the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) chairman and members. He termed the recommendation to the President as illegal, unconstitutional and a serious violation of constitutional provisions.

In a Facebook post, Pinarayi said the President could take a decision on this matter only if the Supreme Court conducts an inquiry and trial regarding any misconduct by a PSC member and submits a report recommending their removal.

He said the Governor could act only on the advice of the Council of Ministers and had no independent authority to take such a decision. Citing relevant constitutional provisions, he said Kerala had never witnessed such an incident before. He also demanded that the state government clarify its position on the former Governor's alleged illegal action.

Pinarayi said the Kerala PSC had been efficiently carrying out government recruitment and completing appointments. Over the past 10 years, the commission has provided jobs to lakhs of candidates, he added. He alleged that a concerted effort and conspiracy were underway to destroy public confidence in an entire institution by raising allegations of irregularities in a single recruitment process.

"Such an organised attempt to undermine the credibility of the PSC must be resisted collectively," he said.