MK Stalin demands removal of Tamil Nadu Governor over State Anthem dispute

A big argument has started between Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Governor RN Ravi about the state anthem. During an event at the Doordarshan Kendra in Chennai, a line from the anthem—“Thekkanamum adhil sirantha Dravida nal thiru naadum”—was missing when it was sung. Stalin accused the governor of insulting Tamil Nadu and its people and called for his removal by the central government. He questioned whether the governor was following the law and referred to him as someone acting like an “Aryan.”

Opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswamy criticized the omission, calling it a serious mistake.

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Governor's response and apology from Doordarshan Kendra

In response, Governor RN Ravi said that Stalin's comments were “regrettable” and accused him of making a racist remark. He defended himself by stating that he always recites the full state anthem with respect and pride at every event. The governor also called Stalin’s allegations “cheap” and said they lowered the dignity of the chief minister's office.

As the situation escalated, the Doordarshan Kendra in Chennai apologized, saying it was an “inadvertent mistake” and that the singers meant no disrespect to Tamil or the anthem. Stalin continued to demand the governor's recall, suggesting that the governor was against Dravidian culture. In his defense, the governor stated that he had taken steps to promote the Tamil language in other states and had initiated a Tamil diploma course in Assam.