A day after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin labeled Governor RN Ravi’s refusal to address the state assembly as “childish,” the Raj Bhavan responded sharply, accusing Stalin of arrogance.
The controversy began on January 6 when Governor Ravi left the Tamil Nadu assembly without delivering his customary address. The Raj Bhavan clarified that the Governor left the session “in deep anguish” after the national anthem was not played, which he deemed disrespectful.
In response, MK Stalin criticized the Governor’s decision, suggesting that Ravi could not accept the progress Tamil Nadu was making. “The Governor is unable to digest the fact that Tamil Nadu is developing,” Stalin remarked, adding that the Governor’s actions were politically motivated.
On Saturday, Stalin addressed the ongoing tension during the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address. He pointed out that under Ravi’s tenure, the state assembly had witnessed “strange scenes.” He criticized the Governor for altering his speech in 2022 and for not delivering his customary address in the following years, citing what Stalin termed “absurd” reasons.
In his statement, Stalin said, “This House cannot bear to see the Governor do something with political motives that insults the dignity of this Assembly, the feelings of the people, and the Tamil anthem.”
In response to these remarks, the Raj Bhavan issued a statement on Sunday, condemning Stalin’s criticism. “Stalin’s assertion that insisting on respect for the National Anthem and performing fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution is ‘absurd’ and ‘childish’ is concerning,” the statement read. “This betrays the true intentions of the coalition he leads, which does not fully accept Bharat as a nation and her Constitution.”
The Raj Bhavan further stressed that such “arrogance” was inappropriate, warning that the people of India would not tolerate any “brazen insult” to the nation or its Constitution. “Bharat is the supreme Mother, and the Constitution is the supreme faith for her children,” the statement concluded.
This exchange marks the latest chapter in the ongoing tensions between the Tamil Nadu government and the Governor, a relationship that has been strained since Ravi assumed office.
