‘Governor’s act of using R-Day address to find fault with the government is condemnable’

Minister for Adi Dravidar Welfare M. Mathiventhan on Saturday said Governor R.N. Ravi’s act of using the occasion of Republic Day as a political shield to find fault with an elected government was condemnable.

In a statement, he said Mr. Ravi was losing his sleep over negative news about him, including his conduct in the Assembly, case against his functioning in the Supreme Court, and the DMK and its allies boycotting the ‘At Home’ reception.

He had spread false propaganda against the DMK government in his Republic Day address, Mr. Mathiventhan said.

Tamil Nadu stands third in the Sustainable Development Goals Index released by NITI Aayog, and is a front-runner in most of the indicators. It is ranked first in poverty eradication, the Minister pointed out. “Has the Governor lost trust in NITI Aayog, which was set up by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government?” Mr. Mathiventhan asked.

‘Contradictory remark’

He said that a few days back, Mr. Ravi had stated that Tamil Nadu was the safest place for women. “Now, he is making contradictory statements, and comments about the menace of illicit drugs and terrorist networks...,” he said, adding that the Raj Bhavan was not a wrestling arena to engage in divisive speech and fight with the State government.

He further said that the Governor was causing a hindrance in appointing Vice-Chancellors to State Universities.

Mr. Mathiventhan said Mr. Ravi is siding with those who are looking to destroy the growth of the State.

The Governor is not giving assent to the Bills passed by the Legislative Assembly and disrespecting the State Anthem, he said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has stated many times that he requested the Centre not to replace Ravi as Governor, as he has helped the DMK grow further in the State. Mr. Ravi is angry with that and it is reflected in his Republic Day address, he said.

Let the Governor speak whatever he wants. It will turn favourable to the State government and the DMK, Mr. Mathiventhan said.

‘Face us directly’

If Mr. Ravi wants to engage in politics, let him quit the Governor’s post and face us directly in the political arena, he said, adding: “I request the Governor not to use the Assembly, and the Republic Day to play politics and insult the greatness of Tamil Nadu,” Mr. Mathiventhan added.