Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin Accuses Governor RN Ravi of Insulting Gubernatorial Position
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday launched a sharp criticism against Governor RN Ravi, accusing him of having "insulted" the gubernatorial position by refusing to read the prepared speech at the commencement of the Assembly session. This public rebuke marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the DMK-led state government and the Governor's office.
Stalin's Remarks in the Assembly
Speaking in the Tamil Nadu assembly, Stalin expressed his disappointment and frustration over the Governor's actions. He emphasized that he was constrained to criticise the Governor, noting that many past governors in Tamil Nadu had not behaved in such a manner. "I am facing the crisis that was not witnessed during the tenure of former Chief Ministers CN Annadurai, M Karunanidhi, MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa," Stalin stated, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the current standoff.
The Chief Minister further elaborated that Governor Ravi's decision to not read the speech at the start of the Assembly session, coupled with his insistence on playing the national anthem at the beginning, constituted an insult to the office he holds. Stalin clarified that traditionally, the National Anthem is played at the conclusion of the Governor's speech in the TN Assembly, while the Tamil Thai Vazhthu (Mother Tamil invocation) is played at the commencement.
Background of the Controversy
The row erupted on Tuesday when Governor RN Ravi walked out of the Assembly without delivering the customary address. The Governor's office, known as the Lok Bhavan, later issued a statement claiming that the prepared text contained "inaccuracies" and "unsubstantiated claims and misleading statements." This incident is the third time Governor Ravi has skipped the customary Assembly address, underscoring a persistent conflict between the state government and the gubernatorial authority.
In response to the Governor's actions, the Assembly adopted a resolution moved by CM Stalin, asserting that only the government-prepared customary address would be recorded officially. However, the Lok Bhavan quickly released its own statement to explain the events, further fueling the dispute.
Constitutional Implications and Political Context
Stalin's remarks come just days after he announced that his party would seek to amend the Constitution to omit provisions mandating the Governor's Address to the state legislature at the beginning of the session. This move signals a broader political strategy to address what the DMK perceives as overreach by the Governor's office.
The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to reaffirm the state's patriotism, stating, "We are not inferior to anyone in patriotism, and no one needs to teach us." He added that he has faced numerous challenges in the past and overcome them, suggesting resilience in the face of this ongoing crisis.
Historical Precedents and Current Standoff
The tradition in Tamil Nadu involves the Governor reading a speech written by the state government at the start of the Assembly session. Governor Ravi has repeatedly objected to parts of this speech, citing concerns over its content. This standoff is part of a larger pattern of disagreements between the DMK government and the Governor, which have played out publicly on multiple occasions.
As the situation unfolds, it raises important questions about the role of the Governor in state politics and the balance of power between elected governments and appointed officials. The ongoing conflict highlights the need for clarity and cooperation to uphold democratic norms and constitutional duties.
