DMK working President MK Stalin accused Vice President Venkaiah Naidu of speaking in a partisan manner and of using the Raj Bhavan for political propaganda.
In a statement released by Stalin, the DMK leader questioned Venkaiah on the speech he made on Monday at the occasion of former Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao’s book release.
He called it disconcerting that the Vice President made statements like, "It is responsibility of this government to fulfil the promises of Amma (Selvi J Jayalalithaa)”, and, "Once a government is formed with majority, it has to go back to the people only after 5 years and one cannot expect the Governor to disregard Constitution."
Urging Venkaiah to reevaluate his words and reflect on the tone and connotation of his words, Stalin stated, “I stop myself from questioning Vice President of India on grounds of respecting the office of Vice President, whether it is right on his part to adopt a partisan stance after becoming Vice President of India, a position where one is expected to be non-partisan.”
He also reminded the Vice President that his speech comes at a time when the case regarding the disqualification of 18 AIADMK MLAs by the Speaker is presently being heard at the Madras High Court.
“An erroneous statement like, ‘Once a Government establishes the majority, it has to go to public only after 5 years’, from Hon'ble Vice President of India weakens the primary motive and intent of the anti-defection law, and the primacy of the idea that a government has to be run Constitutionally. In addition to that, while it might be his personal wish that the government has to fulfil the promises of Jayalalithaa, for one to mouth this statement occupying the Office of Vice President of India is deplorable,” said Stalin.
He concluded his statement by urging Vice President Venkaiah to stay true to his words of being nonpartisan and of not using the Raj Bhavan for political propaganda.
Former Governor Vidyasagar Rao had released the book ‘Those Eventful Days’ at a function in Chennai on Monday. In the book, Rao details the periods of turbulence in office, beginning with the hospitalisation of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, her demise, Cyclone Vardah, jallikattu protests and the political instability following former CM O Panneerselvam’s rebellion.
During his speech, the Vice President also defended the former Governor’s decision not to swear in VK Sasikala as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, stating, “In our democracy he (Governor) is a ceremonial head. Only the ministry has true powers. You have to understand the Governor’s powers and limitations. Without knowing the Governor’s powers and limitations if you come with your own expectations and then get disappointed, nobody can help you.”