Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced his decision to boycott Governor RN Ravi’s customary “At Home” Independence Day reception on August 15, 2025, intensifying the ongoing rift between the state government and Raj Bhavan. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led government cited the Governor’s “anti-Tamil Nadu acts” as the reason for the snub, with Higher Education Minister K Ponmudy also opting out of two upcoming university convocations to underscore the protest.

The conflict stems from Governor Ravi’s decision to refer a state Assembly Bill to establish Kalaignar University, honoring former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, to President Droupadi Murmu, a move the DMK views as an attempt to delay assent and undermine state legislative authority. This follows a pattern of disputes, with several Bills passed by the Assembly languishing at Raj Bhavan. The Supreme Court previously intervened, ruling that such Bills are “deemed to have been assented to” and setting a three-month deadline for Governors and the President to act, clarifying they lack discretionary powers.

Tensions escalated after Governor Ravi’s Independence Day address, where he lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government’s achievements but omitted any praise for the Tamil Nadu government or Stalin. He also highlighted “serious challenges” in the state, including alleged educational and social discrimination, a suicide rate double the national average, rising synthetic drug abuse among youth with “alleged patronage of the power-that-be,” and a surge in sexual offenses against women and children.

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Local Administration Minister KN Nehru sharply rebuked the Governor, accusing him of acting as an “agent of Nagpur” and spreading baseless claims. Nehru defended Tamil Nadu’s record, citing its 11.19% economic growth and leadership in education, gender equality, and entrepreneurship. He dismissed the Governor’s remarks as a “political outburst” fueled by frustration, especially after a PhD scholar recently refused to accept her degree from Ravi in protest. Nehru also criticized the central government for neglecting Tamil Nadu’s demands for disaster relief and education funding while pushing divisive policies.

The boycott reflects growing public and political discontent with the Governor, whom Nehru claimed is seen as a “political adversary” rather than a constitutional figure. As the standoff continues, it highlights the strained relationship between the state and Raj Bhavan, with the DMK rallying to protect Tamil Nadu’s legislative and cultural identity.

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