Will Congress and VCK Boycott the TN Governor's Independence Day Tea Party?
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Synopsis
On August 13, 2023, the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and VCK announced their boycott of Governor R.N. Ravi's Independence Day tea party, citing his 'anti-Tamil Nadu activities' and the Election Commission's scrutiny. This move highlights rising tensions in Tamil Nadu's political arena.
Key Takeaways
- TNCC and VCK boycott the Governor's tea party.
- Protest against perceived anti-Tamil Nadu actions.
- Concerns over Election Commission's revision process.
- Historical context of previous boycotts.
- Continued tensions between the Governor and opposition.
Chennai, Aug 13 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) have declared their intention to boycott the Independence Day tea gathering hosted by Governor R.N. Ravi at Raj Bhavan, Chennai.
In a concise announcement on Wednesday, TNCC president K. Selvaperunthagai stated that this decision serves as a protest against what the party describes as the Governor's "anti-Tamil Nadu actions" as well as against the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar.
Selvaperunthagai raised concerns regarding the fairness and transparency of this revision process.
"We also strongly denounce the Tamil Nadu Governor's refusal to approve the Bill passed by the State Assembly aimed at establishing a university in Kumbakonam named after former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. Instead of granting assent, he chose to forward it to the President," said Selvaperunthagai.
The TNCC leader highlighted that in 2024, the party had similarly boycotted the Governor's tea function, accusing him of continually impeding the operations of the democratically elected State government.
He asserted that the Governor's recent actions have once again undermined the will of both the Assembly and the populace.
VCK founder and Lok Sabha MP Thol. Thirumavalavan also confirmed that his party would abstain from attending the Raj Bhavan event.
In his statement, he noted that while the Governor's office had sent out an invitation, the party opted to decline it in solidarity with other opposition factions in Tamil Nadu.
This boycott reflects the ongoing tensions between the Governor and opposition parties in the State, many of whom accuse him of overreaching his constitutional authority.
The refusal to approve critical Bills, delays in legislative assent, and perceived political overreach have been persistent points of contention in the political dialogue.
The tea gathering, customarily held on August 15 evening, typically sees attendance from ministers, legislators, senior officials, and judiciary members.
The absence of major opposition parties this year is poised to serve as a significant political statement, further illustrating the deepening divide between Raj Bhavan and a segment of Tamil Nadu's political landscape.
Point of View
It is crucial to observe that the ongoing tensions between the Tamil Nadu Governor and opposition parties reflect broader national issues surrounding gubernatorial powers and legislative autonomy. The Congress and VCK's boycott is not just a local protest; it resonates with wider concerns about governance and representation in India.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the boycott of the tea party?
The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and VCK initiated the boycott as a protest against the Governor's perceived anti-Tamil Nadu actions and concerns regarding the Election Commission's revision process.
Who confirmed the boycott from the VCK?
Thol. Thirumavalavan, the founder of VCK and Lok Sabha MP, confirmed that his party would not participate in the Raj Bhavan event.
What are the historical precedents for this boycott?
The TNCC had previously boycotted the Governor's tea party in 2024, citing similar grievances regarding the Governor's interference in state matters.
