Stalin flays TN governor for delaying assent to Kalaignar varsity bill, says he has not changed even after SC rap

TRICHY: Chief minister M K Stalin on Monday attacked Tamil Nadu governor R N Ravi for delaying assent to the bill that proposes to set up a university named after DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi in Kumbakonam.The governor has yet to mend his ways even after Supreme Court rap, Stalin said, speaking at a welfare aid distribution event at Raja Serfoji Govt College in Thanjavur.

“The bill for setting up the Kalaignar University in Kumbakonam was sent to the governor on May 2.

More than 40 days later, the bill has not been approved,” Stalin said.The announcement for the university was made in the assembly on April 24. Stalin said the decision to name the university after Karunanidhi was not that of DMK alone, but of all MLAs regardless of party affiliation.Stalin warned that his govt would get the governor to relent if the assent to the bill was delayed further.

“We have the fortitude, determination and people’s support to overcome the bias of the Union govt and insolence of the governor,” he said. “Had the governor approved the bill for the university, I would have laid the foundation for the institution today,” the CM said.Stalin said the state govt had sent multiple reminders to Ravi about the pending approval. State higher education minister Govi Chezhian had also sought an appointment to meet him.

“The governor, however, has not allocated time to meet the minister. He is afraid that the delay in granting assent would be raised during the meeting if he gives the appointment,” Stalin said, questioning what was more important for Ravi than meeting the state’s higher education minister.“We thought the governor would change after Supreme Court’s directions. But, he has not changed at all,” he added.While the governor poses hurdles for the govt, the Union govt was also continuing to delay funds, Stalin said. “Despite such hindrances, we are implementing schemes and achieving our goals,” he added.