Governor RN Ravi not changed even after Supreme Court ruling: MK Stalin

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin slammed Governor RN Ravi for stalling a Bill to establish a new university in Thanjavur named after former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.

Speaking at a public meeting, Stalin said that despite the recent Supreme Court verdict clipping the powers of Governors, Ravi has “not changed” and continues to sit on Bills passed by the Assembly.

“I announced the construction of a new university in Thanjavur. Though I was initially hesitant, leaders from several parties insisted that the university be named after Kalaignar. We passed the Bill and sent it to the Governor on May 2. It's been 40 days and he has still not given his assent,” Stalin said.

The Chief Minister claimed that reminders had been sent multiple times, and even the Higher Education Minister had sought an appointment with the Governor to follow up on the bill.

“But the Governor has not given him time. He is afraid to meet us as we would ask about the Bill. People of Tamil Nadu are wondering what’s keeping him so busy,” Stalin added.

Taking a dig at Ravi, he said the Governor would be “forced to submit” if the state’s patience wore out. Stalin’s sharp remarks come in the backdrop of the Supreme Court's ruling that Governors must not withhold Bills indefinitely, and must act on them “as soon as possible.”

In April this year, the Supreme Court criticised Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi for sitting over 10 Bills passed by the legislative Assembly, and took the rare step of clearing the Bills. MK Stalin hailed the decision as a “historic victory”, while DMK cadres welcomed the judgment by bursting firecrackers and distributing sweets.