Leaders, including S. Ramadoss, welcome Supreme Court verdict on powers of Governor

Tamil Nadu political parties welcome Supreme Court's decision on Governor's actions, demand his resignation for violating Constitution.

Political parties in Tamil Nadu largely welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to declare assent to the 10 Bills from the State government, which Governor R.N. Ravi had withheld for two to five years.

Despite being a part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, PMK founder S. Ramadoss on Tuesday welcomed the verdict, which declared the Governor’s action as illegal. He said the State government should immediately appoint Vice-Chancellors to State Universities and safeguard the welfare of the students.

VCK founder and Chidambaram MP Thol. Thirumavalavan demanded that Mr. Ravi be removed from his post. In a statement, he said the Supreme Court had taught the Governor, who had insulted the Constitution of India, a good lesson. “This verdict has taught a good lesson not just to the Governor of Tamil Nadu, but also to the Modi government, which seeks to disturb non-BJP ruled States. The Supreme Court’s verdict has a historic significance. It is a big turning point in the issue of safeguarding the Constitution of India and the State rights,” Mr. Thirumavalavan said.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K. Selvaperunthagai said the Supreme Court had condemned Mr. Ravi’s anti-people stance and a clear verdict had been delivered. “It has cracked the whip on the BJP’s activities to dilute the Constitution of India. The Constitution has been saved by this verdict,” he said.

Manithaneya Makkal Katchi president and MLA M.H. Jawahirullah demanded that the Governor resign and leave Tamil Nadu immediately. “The Union government’s act of using Governors to turn State governments into their puppets has been stopped by this verdict. The powers of the elected government has been protected,” he said.

MDMK chief Vaiko said that the Supreme Court had understood that Governors were using their office for political reasons and acting against the Constitution of India. “R.N. Ravi has lost his moral right to continue as Governor,” he said.

Dravidar Kazhagam president K. Veeramani said: “The verdict is a turning point for State’s rights never before seen in Indian political history. It is an appropriate condemnation of Mr. Ravi. He should resign or be asked to resign from his post. The Supreme Court’s verdict has said he has acted in a dishonest manner. It is an affront to democracy and to Constitution of India if such a dishonest Governor continues in his post.”