Tamil Nadu Governor Faces Backlash Over ‘Jai Shri Ram’ Remark at Public Event

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, already facing flak for holding up crucial state legislation, has landed in a new controversy after reportedly urging students at a public event to chant “Jai Shri Ram.” The act has evoked sharp criticism from ruling party leaders and academic circles, and demands for his dismissal are increasing.

Non-governmental organisation SPCSS-TN (State Platform for Common School System – Tamil Nadu) blamed the Governor for violating constitutional norms.
“Mr RN Ravi betrayed his oath of office. He did not follow the Constitution and uphold its ideals and institutions. Mr RN Ravi must be taken out of the Office of Governor of Tamil Nadu forthwith for willfully breaching Article 159 of the Constitution of India,” the group declared in a statement.

Political Leaders Accuse Governor of Undermining Constitution

Senior Congress leader Sasikanth Senthil also criticized the Governor’s move in a social media post.
“Having been condemned by the Supreme Court and denied permission by the State Government, he’s now resorting to stunts like getting students to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’ simply to provoke the system,” he tweeted on X (formerly Twitter).

He went on to add, “Evidently exasperated, he’s signaling that ‘Even if the courts are against me, I’ll do other things to advance my agenda.’ It’s a dangerous combination of hubris and truculence which disrespects democratic institutions and the Constitution’s principles!”

Media outlets, including NDTV, were unable to obtain a comment from Raj Bhavan.

Supreme Court Recently Criticised Governor for Stalling Bills

This follows just days after the Supreme Court reprimanded Governor Ravi for delay in signing 10 bills tabled by the Tamil Nadu Assembly. The court branded his actions as “illegal” and “arbitrary” while adding that he had not done so in “good faith.”

In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court reversed the Governor’s actions and stated that the bills would be “deemed to be cleared” from the day they were returned to the Governor for reconsideration.

Escalating Conflict Between State Government and Raj Bhavan

The current controversy is just another addition to the already strained rapport between Tamil Nadu’s government and Governor RN Ravi. His recent decisions have questioned the role and the extent of the powers of governors, particularly in a constitutional arrangement based on federal cooperation and democratic principles.

With growing criticism from civil society, political leaders, and lawyers, pressure is mounting on the Centre to respond to concerns regarding the Governor’s behavior in Tamil Nadu.