Tamil Nadu fighting against fanatics, delimitation, NEET: CM Stalin
In the latest exchange of words between Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and Governor R N Ravi, the latter said the southern state seemed determined to continue its fight — against delimitation, NEET, and even him. Taking a swipe at the state government, Ravi questioned who the state was fighting, saying there was “no enemy” or “conflict.”
Addressing devotees at the 202nd Avatar Day celebrations of Saint Thiruvarutprakasa Vallalar at Raj Bhavan on Sunday, Ravi said he was deeply moved by Vallalar’s universal message of Sanmarga — the path of righteousness — which calls for compassion and equality.
Referring to the DMK’s slogan “Tamil Nadu Poraadum” (Tamil Nadu is fighting), he said, “When I travel across Tamil Nadu, I see walls painted with the slogan ‘Tamil Nadu Poraadum’ (Tamil Nadu is fighting). My question is: fighting with whom? There is no enemy, no conflict here. Tamil Nadu is not under attack. We must live in harmony. It’s time we erase such divisive thoughts from our minds.”
Responding to Ravi’s remarks, Stalin hit back in a detailed post on X in Tamil, listing what he said the state would continue to fight against — Hindi imposition, religious fanaticism, delimitation, NEET, and the Governor himself. The Chief Minister’s jibe also included a veiled reference to the Supreme Court judgment that termed Ravi’s refusal to assent to 10 state bills “illegal and unconstitutional.”
“Who will Tamil Nadu fight against?’ the Governor has asked…” Stalin began, before launching into a series of pointed assertions. “It is fighting against the arrogance that says education funds will only be provided if the Hindi language is accepted! It is fighting against the conspiracy that enters educational institutions meant to foster scientific thinking, spreading superstitions and fabricated stories, dragging the younger generation a century backward.”
Continuing his tirade, Stalin wrote, “It is fighting against the cunning groups that, filled with religious fanaticism up to their heads, cling to religion at every turn and hinder the nation’s progress!”
“We go to court every time to uphold state rights against the Governor’s overreach of authority. We continue to fight against those who intend to diminish the dignity of the Constitution! It is fighting against the conspirators who threaten to take industries, industrial growth, and job opportunities meant for Tamil Nadu to other states!”