TN Governor's Vice-Chancellors Conference Fuels Controversy Amid Chancellor Role Dispute
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Synopsis
The Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi's upcoming Vice-Chancellors conference on April 25-26 in Ooty has triggered significant political reactions from the DMK amid a dispute over the Chancellor role, recently limited by a Supreme Court ruling.
Key Takeaways
- Governor R.N. Ravi organizes a Vice-Chancellors conference.
- Political backlash from DMK over ongoing Chancellor role dispute.
- Supreme Court ruling grants Chancellor role to CM M.K. Stalin.
- Governor claims to retain powers despite court ruling.
- DMK challenges the Governor's authority and actions.
Chennai, April 21 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi has organized a conference for Vice-Chancellors on April 25 and 26 in Udagamandalam (Ooty), Nilgiris district, prompting strong political backlash from the DMK. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar is set to attend as the special guest for this gathering.
This initiative unfolds amid a continuing dispute regarding the Governor’s function as Chancellor of state universities, a role recently limited by a Supreme Court ruling.
In a noteworthy decision, the apex court determined that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will now assume the Chancellor position for state universities, thereby replacing the Governor.
Despite this, Raj Bhavan has made it clear that the Governor maintains certain powers, including the ability to call meetings, asserting that the Chief Minister’s authority is confined to the appointment of Vice-Chancellors.
The Governor’s choice to proceed with the Vice-Chancellors’ conference has ignited a political uproar. DMK leader T.K.S. Elangovan accused the Governor of disregarding the Supreme Court’s ruling and claimed that the BJP aims to weaken Tamil Nadu’s education framework.
"Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, the Governor shows blatant disrespect for it," Elangovan stated, adding, "The BJP seeks to undermine education in Tamil Nadu. Governor R.N. Ravi is carelessly advancing this agenda, oblivious to the state’s political culture. He continues with futile endeavors."
Labeling the Governor a "mischief maker," Elangovan referenced former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai’s long-held demand for the abolition of the Governor's position. "This role is unique in a democracy, lacking public backing. All that is needed is the Prime Minister’s endorsement. R.N. Ravi’s tenure expired six months ago, yet he persists. The courts should take action. We will legally contest his actions."
The Supreme Court’s recent ruling has removed the Governor's authority to appoint Vice-Chancellors in 18 out of 20 state-run universities. In a groundbreaking judgment last week, the court utilized its exceptional powers under Article 142 to grant 'deemed assent' to 10 amendment bills passed by the DMK government.
