The CPM-led government in Kerala on Saturday sent to the Raj Bhavan its ordinance seeking to remove the governor as chancellor of universities in the state.

Raj Bhavan sources confirmed that the ordinance had reached its office for the assent of Arif Mohammed Khan.

The Pinarayi Vijayan-led government had on Wednesday decided to bring the ordinance, a move opposed by both the Congress and the BJP that alleged the cabinet decision was aimed at turning universities in Kerala into “communist centres”.

Ministers P. Rajeeve and V. Sivankutty expressed the hope that the governor would promulgate the ordinance without delay. When journalists pointed out the governor’s recent reported statement that he would send it to the President, law minister P. Rajeeve said he did not think a person holding a constitutional post would say so without even seeing the document.

“Those holding a constitutional position cannot approach any matter with prejudice. So, if he had said that he would send it to the President even before seeing it, that means he is prejudiced,” the minister said.