CM Pinarayi Vijayan (File photo)

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the Sabarimala crisis reaches a flashpoint chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan will be leaving for a four-day UAE trip on Wednesday without handing over charge to any other minister. The CM will monitor the governance online from there. Though the Centre has denied clearance for foreign trip to 16 of his ministerial colleagues, there was no review on the decision of Pinarayi Vijayan's trip till Tuesday late night.

The foreign jaunt of the CM, who is also the home minister, at the time of developing crisis in Sabarimala has raised many an eyebrow. "This is highly improper. Tension is mounting at Sabarimala and the CM needs to be here. But, unfortunately, he chose to go abroad," said opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala .

According to CMO, the CM has given all necessary instructions to officials to deal with the crisis and he would be available on call any time. According to police, three days from Wednesday will be crucial as they expect more pilgrims including women to reach Sabarimala.

Former DGP K J Jacob said, though there was no role for a chief minister in day-to-day law and order matters, the absence of the CM without handing over charge to a cabinet colleague could create a governance vacuum. "Managing law and order is the responsibility of the SP, district collector and the DGP. In case of an unforeseen emergency, one cannot assume whom to look to for instructions, unless it is clearly laid out who will oversee the matters in the absence of the CM said Joseph. tnn

