Why Are TN CM Stalin, Vijay's TVK, and INDIA Bloc Parties Boycotting the Governor's Independence Day Reception?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- M.K. Stalin boycotts the Governor's reception, signaling political unrest.
- Support from Vijay's TVK and other parties highlights unity against perceived injustices.
- The action underscores deepening rifts between state governance and the Raj Bhavan.
- Concerns over education governance are central to the protests.
- The situation reflects larger national tensions regarding state autonomy.
Chennai, Aug 14 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, has announced his decision to boycott the 'At Home' reception organized by Governor R.N. Ravi on Independence Day this Friday. This boycott is a protest against the Raj Bhavan's purported persistent obstruction of governance and welfare initiatives.
A declaration from the state Information and Publicity Department indicates that, following the Chief Minister's counsel, Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhian will also not attend the upcoming convocation ceremonies at Alagappa and Thiruvalluvar Universities on August 18 and 19.
The government has accused Governor Ravi of intentionally delaying the Kalaignar University Bill by reserving it for Presidential review, which has raised concerns regarding its indefinite postponement.
Furthermore, they allege that the Governor's political bias was evident in the swift affidavit he filed before the Supreme Court in support of a petition from BJP member Venkitachalapathy, which resulted in the Madras High Court putting a stay on the Tamil Nadu Universities Laws (Amendment) Bill.
The state government stated that the Raj Bhavan's stance aligns with that of the BJP petitioner, suggesting that the Governor’s actions are hindering the administration of higher education in Tamil Nadu.
Additionally, the prolonged absence of Vice-Chancellors in various universities due to the Governor's intervention has negatively impacted the academic future of numerous students.
The DMK's call for a boycott has garnered broad political support. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader and actor-turned-politician Vijay has declared that his party will also abstain from the Raj Bhavan reception, accusing the Governor of acting against the welfare of the Tamil Nadu populace and expressing solidarity with the state government's position.
This protest has also received backing from INDIA bloc allies in Tamil Nadu, including the Congress, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and the Left parties, Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India-Marxist.
Leaders from these parties stated that their choice to boycott the event aims to deliver a unified political message against the Governor’s ongoing undermining of the democratically elected state government.
This boycott from the INDIA bloc allies illustrates the growing divide between the Raj Bhavan and Fort St. George, highlighting the intensifying political confrontation regarding the Governor's role in state governance.