Tamizhagam row: Governor RN Ravi says his statement inferred ‘erroneously’

Tamizhagam row: Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi today clarified that it was “erroneous and far-fetched” to infer that he had suggested changing the name of the state with his recent comments on “Tamizhagam”.

The governor at an event on January 4 had allegedly said that the word ‘Tamizhagam’ was a more appropriate term for Tamil Nadu. He said, “Whatever applies to the entire country, Tamil Nadu says no. It has become a habit. Truth must prevail. Tamizhagam is a more appropriate word. The rest of the country suffered a lot of devastation at the hands of foreigners for a long time.”

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Tamil Nadu versus Tamizhagam

This led to a fiery “Tamil Nadu versus Tamizhagam” debate. Ravi today clarified that those who made the inference did so “without understanding” the basis of his speech.

Ravi said in a statement on Wednesday, “In an event at Raj Bhavan on January 4, 2023, to facilitate the volunteers of Kashi-Tamil Sangamam, a recently concluded month-long festival celebrating the age-old cultural connect of Tamil people with Kashi, while dwelling upon the historical cultural connect between the two, I referred to the word ‘Tamizhagam’. In those days, there was no Tamil Nadu. Hence, in a historical, cultural context, I referred to the word ‘Tamizhagam’ as a more appropriate expression’.”

“Without understanding the basis of my speech, arguments that the Governor is against the word Tamil Nadu have become a topic of discussion. Hence, I am giving this clarification to put an end to it,” he said.

Ravi’s comments on January 4 triggered a huge row, with Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK accusing him of pushing the BJP-RSS agenda. In the state assembly, ruling MLAs shouted “Quit Tamil Nadu” slogans in the assembly against Mr Ravi and hashtag #GetOutRavi has trended on Twitter.

Stalin seeks President’s intervention

The Governor’s statement comes after Chief Minister MK Stalin urged President Draupadi Murmu to intervene and ensure Ravi abides by the Constitution.

Clash between Stalin and his party DMK with the governor has become a routine affair. The hostility intensified when Ravi skipped reading parts of an official speech approved by the government in the assembly. DMK allies like the Congress have also demanded the governor’s recall.

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