The Opposition parties came together on Friday, demanding the immediate removal of Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi over the “outrageous” episode involving the dismissal of Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji. They condemned the Governor’s actions as unconstitutional and accused him of interfering in the affairs of the State Government.
Prominent parties, including the Congress, CPI(M), Trinamool Congress, and NCP, joined forces with the DMK in strongly criticising Governor Ravi’s decision. They expressed solidarity with Chief Minister MK Stalin and raised concerns about the lack of consultation before the dismissal, which was subsequently put on hold following the advice of Home Minister Amit Shah.
Governor Ravi’s initial justification for the move, citing Minister Balaji’s arrest and expressing concern about his potential influence on the ongoing investigation, was met with strong opposition.
Senior Congress MP Manish Tewari lambasted the Governor, saying, “The President should immediately remove the Governor as he does not know the limits of his office. He shouldn’t have taken such a step, and it has now been exposed that he does not know the Constitution.”
Congress member MP Karti Chidambaram tweeted, “The position of Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan (Governor) is completely untenable!”
The CPI(M) also demanded Ravi’s removal, stating, “This is a totally unconstitutional act as the Governor has no right to appoint or remove Ministers, except on the advice of the Chief Minister.”
“Ravi has been taking a series of steps, which amounts to interference in the politics of the State and in the running of the State Government. The latest outrageous move to dismiss a Minister, though kept in abeyance, makes it amply clear that he is not fit to hold the Constitutional post of Governor. The President of India should recall him forthwith,” the statement added.
NCP Working President Supriya Sule criticised the Governor’s actions as “ridiculous” and contrary to the Constitution. She said, “The stand taken by Stalin opposing the Governor’s decision to dismiss Balaji was correct."