CM MK Stalin Criticizes Governor RN Ravi Over Omission of “Dravida” in State Anthem
Chennai, 18th October 2024: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin criticized Governor RN Ravi on Friday for the exclusion of the term “Dravida” from the state anthem “Tamil Thai Vaazhthu,” which was recited during a recent Hindi Month Valedictory event in Chennai.
In response, the Governor’s office refuted Stalin’s claims, stating that RN Ravi was merely present at the event and that the performing troupe accidentally omitted the word “Dravida.”
Stalin challenged Governor Ravi, questioning whether he would also dare to exclude the term from the national anthem, describing the omission as an affront to both the state and the Tamil language. He called on the central government to promptly remove Ravi from his position, alleging that the governor suffers from a “Dravidian allergy.”
“Removing the term ‘Dravida’ and reciting Tamil Thai greetings contravenes Tamil Nadu’s laws. A person who disregards the law and acts arbitrarily is unfit for the role,” Stalin asserted. He further claimed that under the guise of celebrating India, the Governor was undermining national unity and the diversity of the country.
“Will the Governor, who has a Dravidian allergy, suggest excluding ‘Dravidian’ from the national anthem? The Union Government must immediately recall the Governor, who is deliberately insulting Tamil Nadu and its people’s sentiments,” he added.
In a statement, the Governor’s office clarified that RN Ravi had no involvement in the omission of “Dravida” from the state anthem. Thirugnana Sambandam, the Governor’s media advisor, took to X (formerly Twitter) to explain, “The Hon’ble Governor participated in the Hindi Month Valedictory function and the commemoration of Doordarshan Chennai’s Golden Jubilee Celebration held at Chepauk, Chennai.”
He further noted, “At the beginning of the program, the troupe reciting the Thamizhthaai Vaazhthu inadvertently missed a line that included the word ‘Dravida.’ The organizers were promptly notified, and the appropriate authorities have been asked to address the issue.”
