Chennai: Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi on Wednesday corrected a Congress minister during his oath-taking ceremony after the latter hailed party leader Rahul Gandhi and former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj. The incident occurred when Congress leader Ganesh Kumar, who was sworn in as a minister in the M.K. Stalin-led cabinet, added a personal note to the standard oath.
What Happened During the Oath-Taking?
As Ganesh Kumar began reciting the oath, he said, "I take this oath in the name of Rahul Gandhi and Kamaraj..." before being interrupted by Governor Ravi, who sternly said, "That is not part of your oath. Please stick to the constitutional oath." The minister then continued with the standard format prescribed in the Constitution.
Governor's Intervention
The Governor's intervention drew mixed reactions. Some political observers noted that while the minister's sentiment was understandable, the oath of office must strictly adhere to constitutional provisions. The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee later issued a statement supporting Ganesh Kumar, saying his reference to Rahul Gandhi and Kamaraj was a mark of respect for the party's ideals.
Political Reactions
The incident quickly became a talking point in political circles. DMK allies defended the minister, stating that the oath should not be politicized. Meanwhile, BJP leaders criticized the Congress for attempting to "politicize" a constitutional ceremony. Governor Ravi, known for his strict adherence to protocol, has previously clashed with the state government over various issues.
Background of the Ministers
Ganesh Kumar, a two-time MLA from the Congress party, was inducted into the cabinet as part of the DMK-led alliance's expansion. The Congress is a key ally of the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu. Kamaraj, a former Chief Minister and Congress stalwart, is revered in the state for his contributions to education and infrastructure.
The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Raj Bhavan in Chennai, where several other ministers were also sworn in. The Governor's reminder underscored the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the constitutional oath, which requires office-bearers to uphold the Constitution and serve the people without any partisan allegiance.
