The Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit’s meeting with top district officials in Coimbatore has already garnered a lot of criticism from opposition parties. Now, DMK leader MK Stalin has also condemned the meeting, saying that it amounts to interference in the state administration.
He said that the meeting “fits the general trend of central BJP government’s tendency to systematically encroach on the state’s rights”.
Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Tuesday had met top officials of Coimbatore including the collector, city police commissioner and corporation commissioner and other senior officials for review meetings.
“DMK registers its strongest condemnation against the unconstitutional usurpation of state’s rights by Central BJP Government and appointed Governor in a state which has raised voice for state rights and federalism for past half a century,” said Stalin in his statement.
Quoting Dr BR Ambedkar, MK Stalin pointed out that the post of Governor is an ornamental one and he does not have the right to interfere in the state’s administration.
He also criticised the Central government and the acting governor for reviving a state government which has lost its majority and legitimacy. “It is, hence the callous attitude of this Governor towards the legitimacy of this ‘Horse trading’
Government which is severely impacting the order of the administration in this state,” said the statement issued by MK Stalin.
Highlighting the complaints made by the opposition party regarding the ‘Bribe for vote’ issue in RK Nagar elections, Gutka Scandal and many such petition, Stalin said, “It’s rather surprising to note that, the Governor who had shirked his responsibility to exercise his powers to investigate the complaints and petitions against this ‘Horse trading’ Government, has now held discussions with administration assuming the position of ‘Elected Governor’ which he is not.”
MK Stalin also criticised the Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam for remaining silent on the issue.
“DMK categorically rejects the notion of Governor emerging as an alternate power centre within the state and severely condemns the ‘Discussions’ of Governor with the administration,” he added.
Since the death of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, BJP has been trying to make inroads in the state’s politics. On several occasions, former Acting Governor Vidyasagar Rao had faced flak for delaying decisions related to conducting floor test and many complaints made by opposition leaders claiming there is no majority in the current government, had failed to elicit any action.
“The discussions by Governor raises serious doubts whether Central Government intends to govern the state via Governor by sustaining a ‘Dummy’ Government in this state,” said MK Stalin.
CPI (M)’s G Ramakrishnan had earlier echoed a similar response to the Governor’s meeting. He said, “This only proves, yet again, that the government here is under the control of the BJP and is acting as its handmaiden."