Chennai:
The Tamil Nadu government has announced its decision to boycott the Republic Day tea party hosted by Governor RN Ravi at the Raj Bhavan on January 26.
The move comes as a protest against the alleged actions of the Governor, which the ruling government claims is hindering its functioning.
Chief Minister MK Stalin-led Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) said no party representative would attend the Republic Day programme. Several other political parties, including Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthigal Katchi (VCK) and Left parties, have also announced their decision not to attend the reception.
MDMK general secretary Vaiko accused the governor of weakening the state government since the day he assumed office.
He criticized RN Ravi for withholding consent on bills passed by the Legislative Assembly and claimed that the Governor was pushing a Hindutva agenda, which he said was against the principles of the Constitution.
Vaiko said, “MDMK is demanding the removal of RN Ravi from the post of governor. He has consistently acted as an agent of Hindutva principles and trampled constitutional norms.”
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) President K. Selvaperunthagai also accused the Governor of working against the interests of the state and its people.
In a social media post, he highlighted the delay in the appointment of vice-chancellors for state universities and criticized Ravi for refusing to approve the bills passed by the Legislative Assembly.
Condemning the Governor’s actions, P. Shanmugam, state secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), said: “The Governor has disrespected the Constitution, cooperative federalism and the authority of the Legislative Assembly. He lacks the moral qualms to continue as Governor. Have lost.” Tamil Nadu.”
The VCK also expressed similar sentiments and stressed that the Governor’s actions threatened the autonomy of the state.
In a surprise political twist, the Raj Bhavan extended an invitation to Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leader and actor Vijay to attend the reception.
While invitations have been sent to leaders of various political parties, Vijay’s possible presence has fueled speculation. It is not clear whether the actor will participate in the event or not.
There is a tradition of hosting a tea party for the Governor at Raj Bhavan on Republic Day.
However, relations between the Tamil Nadu government and Governor RN Ravi have been contentious. Despite this, Chief Minister MK Stalin and his cabinet colleagues attended the Independence Day celebrations hosted by the Governor on August 15, 2024 as part of the national celebrations.
