Chennai Apr 20 PTI Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday asserted that not even a speck of dust fell on state Governor R N Ravi during a black flag protest against him in Mayiladuthurai and said the opposition AIADMKs attempts to do politics over the matter will not fructify as this is DMK rule Seeking to turn the tables on the principal opposition which staged a walkout of the Assembly over the issue Stalin also sought to remind it of an alleged attack on then Governor Chenna Reddy in the 90s during the AIADMK period and pointed out that an Assembly resolution for his recall was also adopted thenAlso he recalled the humiliation meted out to Subramanian Swamy Rajya Sabha MP and a former bureaucrat during the AIADMK regimeAfter questioning the government the AIADMK members should have remained in the Assembly House for my reply They could have walked out if the reply is not convincing But they chose to stage a walk out apparently realising what the reply would be and thinking of what they had done during their rule Stalin saidExplaining about the black flag protest against Ravi Stalin quoting the ADGP LO told the Assembly that there was no truth in the claim that stones and flagpoles were thrown on Ravis convoy during his visit to a mutt in Mayiladuthurai district on TuesdayLeader of Opposition K Palaniswami and state BJP chief K Annamalai had on Tuesday made such claims about the protest against the Governor when he visited the Dharmapuram Aadheenam a Saivite monastic institution in Mayiladuthurai districtStalin rejected the allegations as baseless The ADGP had clarified that police erected barricades and confined the agitators Later when they were arrested and taken in the van argument ensued and they untied the black flags tied in plastic pipes and threw them the CM saidThe Aide De Camp ADC to the Governor had also written to the state DGP saying Ravi and the convoy passed unharmed he addedTargeting the AIADMK Stalin said they saw this as a chance to do politics which is normal for political parties and that separate statements from party Coordinator O Panneerselvam and joint coordinator Palaniswami on the matter was proof enough of it as they generally issued joint statements on various mattersDetailing the security measures for the Governor Stalin said nearly 1200 police personnel under the Central Zone IG with officers including two DIGS and six SPs were deployedEven if the protest was democratic this government has taken due steps for the safety of the governor This government wont make any compromise in ensuring security for the governor the CM saidThe Leader of Opposition Palaniswami and deputy leader Panneerselvam think they can do politics over the matter using the Governor Let me make it clear-- that will not at all happen because this is DMK government Stalin said and lashed out at the LoP over the Sathankulam custodial deaths and police firing on anti-Sterlite protesters in Tuticorin when he was chief ministerAs far as this government is concerned let me make one thing clear Police had prevented those who staged the black flag demo and ensured not even a speck of dust fell on the governor Not just that cases have been filed against the agitators and a probe is on This government has a duty to protect those in constitutional positions to ensure their security The police department is diligently doing that the chief minister addedRaising the issue Palaniswami claimed that the Governors convoy was targeted with stones and flagpoles by anti-social elements This is reprehensible It is regrettable that the police instead of taking action on the trouble mongers offered them protection This is also condemnable he said drawing the governments attention to the matterHe led his AIADMK in staging a walk out from the House protesting the attack on Governors convoySpeaking on the issue BJP floor leader Nainar Nagendran alleged that sufficient protection was not provided to the Governor during his visit to Mayiladuthurai He demanded action on the police officials responsible for the alleged attack on Governors convoy and staged a walkout over the issueCongress floor leader K Selvaperunthagai an ally of DMK raised the issue in the House PTI JSP SA ROH ROH

Chennai Apr 20 PTI Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday asserted that not even a speck of dust fell on state Governor R N Ravi during a black flag protest against him in Mayiladuthurai and said the opposition AIADMKs attempts to do politics over the matter will not fructify as this is DMK rule Seeking to turn the tables on the principal opposition which staged a walkout of the Assembly over the issue Stalin also sought to remind it of an alleged attack on then Governor Chenna Reddy in the 90s during the AIADMK period and pointed out that an Assembly resolution for his recall was also adopted then Speaking on the black flag protest against Ravi in the state Assembly Stalin quoting the ADGP LO said there was no truth in the claims that stones and flagpoles were thrown on Ravis convoy during his visit to a mutt in Mayiladuthurai district on Tuesday Leader of Opposition K Palaniswami and state BJP chief K Annamalai had on Tuesday made such claims about the protest against the Governor when he visited a mutt in Mayiladuthurai district Stalin rejected the allegations as baseless The ADGP has clarified that police erected barricades and confined the agitators Later when they were arrested and taken in the van argument ensued and they untied the black flags tied in plastic pipes and threw them the CM said The Aide De Camp ADC to the Governor has also written to the state DGP saying Ravi and the convoy passed unharmed he added Targeting the AIADMK Stalin said they saw this as a chance to do politics which is normal for political parties and that separate statements from party Coordinator O Panneerselvam and joint coordinator Palaniswami on the matter was proof enough of it as they generally issued joint statements on various matters Detailing the security measures for the Governor Stalin said nearly 1200 police personnel under the Central Zone IG with officers including two DIGS and six SPs were deployed Even if the protest was democratic this government has taken due steps for the safety of the governor This government wont make any compromise in ensuring security for the governor The Leader of Opposition Palaniswami and deputy leader Panneerselvam think they can do politics over the matter using the Governor Let me make it clear-- that will not at all happen because this is DMK government Stalin said and lashed out at the LoP over the Sathankulam custodial deaths and police firing on anti-Sterlite protesters in Tuticorin when he was chief minister As far as this government is concerned let me make one thing clear Police had prevented those who staged the black flag demo It ensured not even a speck of dust fell on the governor Not just that cases have been filed against the agitators and a probe is on This government has a duty to protect those in constitutional positions to ensure their security The police department is diligently doing that the chief minister added The BJP and AIADMK staged a walkout over the issue The two opposition parties besides DMK ally Congress raised the issue in the House PTI JSP SA ROH ROH

Chennai Apr 20 PTI Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi on Wednesday left for Delhi amidst the ongoing NEET row between the Raj Bhavan and the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government that had even prompted a black flag demo against him Ravi who was shown black flags by DMK allies VCK and the Left among others during a visit to Mayiladuthurai district on Tuesday left for the national capital by a private aircraft There was no official communication over the Governors visit even as Raj Bhavan sources remained tightlipped about his itinerary Incidentally he had visited Delhi earlier this month and met among others Defence Minister Rajnath Singh The ruling DMK-piloted Assembly bill seeking exemption for Tamil Nadu from the ambit of the National Entrance-cum-Eligibility Test NEET has become a bone of contention between the government and the Raj Bhavan with Ravi returning the original bill adopted by the House in September last year in February 2022 The House once again resolved on the matter days after Some other Assembly bills are also pending with the Governors office The DMK and its allies had boycotted the Tamil New Year At Home reception organised by Ravi last week Chief Minister M K Stalin had said on Monday that participation would have meant hurting peoples sentiments and further eroding the dignity of the House as the anti-NEET Bill was stuck in the Raj Bhavan and lying unattended PTI COR SA ROH ROH

Chennai Apr 19 PTI Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi on Tuesday participated in the celebrations of 27th Gurumaha Sannithanam Sri-La-sri Kayilai Masilamani Desiga Gnanasambanda Paramachariya Swamigal Dharmapuram Adhinam Mutt at Mayiladuthurai He also inaugurated a Gnana Ratha Yathra to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana a Raj Bhavan release here said The Governor lauded the services and welfare measures being rendered by the Mahaguru Sannidhanam for the benefit of the people of the district state the country and the world it said Besides spreading the Dharma and dharmic ways of living this Adhinam runs institutions including educational institutions for moral value added education In times of crisis like Kargil War Gujarat earthquake Chennai flood Coronavirus etc this Adhinam in the true spirit of service has extended financial aid logistic assistance to the States and Central government it quoted him as saying Ravi also hailed the Adhinam for preserving the ancient Indian spiritual tradition through centuries of invasions destruction and colonisation of the country by the foreigners Further at a time when India was celebrating the 75 years of Independence under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership it was experiencing an unprecedented comprehensive resurgence Under the new paradigm of development which is all inclusive the country is marching ahead confidently to its destiny of becoming the world leader The next 25 years of Amrit Kaal is crucial to achieve the goal Cultural and spiritual resurgence is integral to it he said PTI SA SA SS SS

Chennai Jan 26 PTI Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi unfurled the national flag at the Marina Beach front here in the presence of Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday as the state government showcased a tableau rejected by a central panel proposed for the grand event in the national capital The Republic Day Parade on Marina was a low-key affair this year lasting for about 28 minutes owing to the pandemic situation The state government on Tuesday had issued an advisory asking the general public children and senior citizens to refrain from visiting the Marina Beach front to watch the event today Earlier Governor R N Ravi laid a wreath at the War Memorial here and paid homage to the armed forces personnel who laid down their lives for the country Immediately after arriving from the War Memorial on Rajaji Salai the Governor was received by Chief Minister M K Stalin Following a brief introduction to senior officers of the armed forces and police Ravi who led the first Republic Day celebrations in Tamil Nadu after he was appointed to the gubernatorial post in September last year unfurled the national flag exactly at 8 am After a spectacular march past by the contingents of the armed forces police and paramilitary forces the Tamil Nadu government showcased the Republic Day tableau which was rejected by a central committee depicting a statue of Queen Velu Nachiyar riding a horse with a sword in hand and women soldiers It also portrayed the Tamil Nadu freedom struggle highlighting the role of V O Chidambaram Pillai and national poet Subramania Bharathi Stalin had earlier announced that the rejected float will be included in the Tamil Nadu governments Republic Day celebrations on Wednesday An official release said three floats depicted the freedom fighters of Tamil Nadu and the others including Veerapandia Kattabomman Azhagu Muthukon Kuyili Maruthu brothers Vanchinathan and Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar among others besides stalwarts from the state E V Ramasamy Periyar K Kamaraj and C Rajagopalachari As announced by Stalin earlier these will be showcased in different parts of the state and the chief minister flagged off the floats that will be initially exhibited in Coimbatore Erode and Madurai it said Earlier an Air Force helicopter showered flower petals on the venue after the tricolour was unfurled Stalin presented various medals including ones to uniformed personnel for acts of bravery Wing Commander Anuj Gupta was the overall Parade Commander of the Republic Day parade Posting photographs of him giving away medals to distinguished officers the Chief Minister tweeted Let us reaffirm to uphold the secular ethos of the constitution on this Republic Day and be proud of the great achievements to uplift the people of our nation in all spheres Greeting the people on the 73rd Republic Day Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan tweeted the Constitution of India is our strength Lets realise that we are its custodians Lets realise the true value of freedom power and rights the Constitution confers on us and act in solidarity Meanwhile leaders of various political parties including O Panneerselvam coordinator of AIADMK K Annamalai BJP state president and K S Alagiri TNCC chief led their parties in celebrating the 73rd Republic Day PTI JSP SA HDA HDA

Chennai Jan 26 PTI Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi unfurled the national flag at the Marina Beach front here in the presence of Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday as the state government showcased a tableau rejected by a central panel proposed for the grand event in the national capitalThe Republic Day Parade on Marina was a low key affair this year lasting for about 28 minutes owing to the pandemic situationThe state government on Tuesday had issued an advisory asking the general public children and senior citizens to refrain from visiting the Marina Beach front to watch the event todayEarlier Governor R N Ravi laid a wreath at the War Memorial here and paid homage to the armed forces personnel who laid down their lives for the countryImmediately after arriving from the War Memorial on Rajaji Salai the Governor was received by Chief Minister M K Stalin Following a brief introduction to senior officers of the armed forces and police Ravi who led the first Republic Day celebrations in Tamil Nadu after he was appointed to the gubernatorial post in September last year unfurled the national flag exactly at 8 AMAfter a spectacular march past by the contingents of the armed forces police and paramilitary forces the Tamil Nadu government showcased the Republic Day tableau which was rejected by a central committee depicting a statue of Queen Velu Nachiyar riding a horse with a sword in hand and women soldiersIt also portrayed the Tamil Nadu freedom struggle highlighting the role of V O Chidambaram Pillai and national poet Subramania BharathiStalin had earlier announced that the rejected float will be included in the Tamil Nadu governments Republic Day celebrations on WednesdayEarlier after the unfurling of the flag an Air Force helicopter showered flower petals on the venueStalin presented various medals including to uniformed personnel for acts of braveryWing Commander Anuj Gupta was the overall Parade Commander of the Republic Day paradePosting photographs of him giving away medals to distinguished officers the Chief Minister tweeted Let us reaffirm to uphold the secular ethos of the constitution on this Republic Day and be proud of the great achievements to uplift the people of our nation in all spheres Greeting the people on the 73rd Republic Day Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan tweeted the Constitution of India is our strength Lets realise that we are its custodians Lets realise the true value of freedom power and rights the Constitution confers on us and act in solidarity Meanwhile leaders of various political parties including O Panneerselvam coordinator of AIADMK K Annamalai BJP state president and K S Alagiri TNCC chief led their parties in celebrating the 73rd Republic Day PTI JSP ROH ROH

Chennai Jan 26 PTI Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi unfurled the national flag at the Marina Beach front here in the presence of Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday as the state government showcased a tableau rejected by a Central panel proposed for the grand event in the national capital The Republic Day Parade on Marina was a low key affair this year lasting for about 28 minutes owing to the pandemic situation The state government on Tuesday had issued an advisory asking the general public children and senior citizens to refrain from visiting the Marina Beach front to watch the event today Exactly at 8 AM the Governor unfurled the national flag After a spectacular march past by the contingents of the armed forces police and paramilitary forces the Tamil Nadu government showcased the Republic Day tableau which was rejected by a Central committee depicting a statue of Queen Velu Nachiyar riding a horse with a sword in hand and women soldiers It also portrayed the Tamil Nadu freedom struggle highlighting the role of V O Chidambaram Pillai and national poet Subramania Bharathi Stalin had earlier announced that the rejected float will be included in the Tamil Nadu governments Republic Day celebrations on Wednesday Earlier after the unfurling of the flag an Air Force helicopter showered flower petals on the venue Stalin presented various medals including to uniformed personnel for acts of bravery Wing Commander Anuj Gupta was the overall Parade Commander of the Republic Day parade PTI JSP SA SA

Chennai Oct 30 PTI Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi on Saturday asked the Vice Chancellors in the State to focus on academic excellence and quality research and advised them to ensure quality in recruitment of teaching faculty The Governor who is the Chancellor stressed the need for quality research and publication in peer-reviewed journals Addressing the Vice Chancellors during his first meeting with them at the Raj Bhavan here on Saturday Ravi appreciated Tamil Nadu for having 20 State universities and also the impressive gross enrolment ratio As the higher education of the State has expanded significantly the Governor urged the Vice Chancellors to focus on academic excellence and quality research a communique from the Raj Bhavan said He suggested the Vice Chancellors to have an honest appraisal of the strengths and weakness of their universities so as to harness the strengths and work on weaknesses it said He said universities should involve in knowledge dissemination through teaching and knowledge creation through research He insisted upon the need for continuous improvement of knowledge creation to assure quality in higher education and advised the Vice Chancellors to ensure quality in recruitment of teaching faculty The Governor lauded the State government for helping the varsities particularly in mitigating their financial distress and urged the government to nudge the universities for enhancing the quality of education and research The Vice Chancellors made a power-point presentation about their universities to the Governor-Chancellor Senior secretaries of the State government briefed him on the status of State universities and how the government has been helping them with resources including financial assistance Apart from Vice Chancellors registrars senior secretaries Anandrao V Patil secretary to Governor and C Muthukumaran deputy secretary to Governor universities participated PTI JSP BN BN

Chennai Oct 26 PTI Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi has sought details on welfare schemes bringing back the focus on DMKs protest against his predecessor when it was in opposition over review meetings and tours while the government said it was a usual practice which should not be politicised The DMK now in the ruling saddle said getting to know about welfare schemes is nothing wrong while its major ally the Congress dubbed the move as not in sync with convention and hence wrong Chief Secretary V Irai Anbu who had earlier written to various heads of departments in this regard averred it was a usual administrative process and that it was not proper to make it a subject of political controversy Government sources here indicated on Tuesday that Governor Ravi has sought to know about the functioning of departments and ongoing welfare schemes of both the state and as well as the Centre In a letter to heads of departments Irai Anbu said the Governor wishes to know about the functioning of certain departments in the state and its ongoing welfare schemes of both the state as well as the union government The Chief Secretary requested the heads to be prepared to apprise the Governor about your departments ongoing welfare schemes of both the state and the union government A power point presentation may also be prepared for the purpose and it is to be discussed before the presentation The date and time will be intimated soon the letter dated October 18 said Government sources indicated the letter has been sent to department heads which was only a routine official exercise while Raj Bhavan sources declined to make a comment saying it is confidential The letter from the Chief Secretary to the department heads assumes significance as the DMK when it was in the opposition 2016-21 had staunchly opposed former Governor Banwarilal Purohits meetings with officials to review schemes and his tour of districts The DMK had staged protests against Purohit waved black flags and dubbed his action an attack on the states autonomy The DMKs allies including the Congress had also actively participated in such protest demonstrations Purohit had however strongly defended his action saying it was within the framework of the Constitution Subsequently Purohit ceased to hold such review meetings though the AIADMK which was then holding the reins of power did not object to it Meanwhile in a statement on Tuesday Irai Anbu said his official communication has turned into an unnecessary debate With the Governor having taken over recently he had written the letter to the concerned to keep all data on the various development projects ready the official said It is routine in the administration to collect and keep such data on schemes and implementation It is not proper to make it a subject of political controversy Those aware of the governments administrative matters know this is a usual practice he said In its reaction the ruling DMK said there is nothing wrong in Governor Ravi seeking to know about the welfare schemes In fact it is the Governors duty to know about welfare schemes a DMK spokesperson told PTI When asked about his partys opposition to Purohits review meetings when the AIADMK was in power spokesperson J Constantine Ravindran said Only if the Governor interferes in the administration it is not acceptable Without the knowledge of the Chief Minister if the Governor directly instructs officials that is unacceptable This is completely different The Governor only wants to know about departments and welfare schemes implemented by them There is absolutely nothing wrong in getting to know about such schemes This is official Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K S Alagiri said a governor interfering in the day to day work of an elected government or reviewing or making an appraisal is not the convention and hence wrong Only in specific circumstances like a law and order issue or calamity a Governor may hold discussions with officials Will the President seek to know about what is happening in the Central government ministriesdepartments he asked The Prime Minister or a Chief Minister periodically apprising the President and a Governor respectively of government matters is the tradition that is being followed Alagiri told PTI Recalling the opposition to Purohit in the past over review matters and his tours Alagiri said the present case was also similar This is not the tradition and hence wrong the TNCC chief said Purohit was the Tamil Nadu governor from October 6 2017 till Ravi assumed office recently Ravi was sworn in as Governor of Tamil Nadu on September 18 this year Previously he had been Nagaland Governor A former IPS officer he has worked in various capacities including in the CBI and the Intelligence Bureau The Congress party had then criticised the Centre for appointing him saying it is suspicious since a former senior police official was chosen PTI VGN SA BN BN

Chennai Oct 26 PTI Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi has sought to know about the functioning of departments and ongoing welfare schemes of both the state and as well as the centre government sources here indicated on Tuesday In a letter to heads of departments Chief Secretary V Irai Anbu said the Governor wishes to know about the functioning of certain departments in the state and its ongoing welfare schemes of both the state as well as the union government The Chief Secretary requested the heads to be prepared to apprise the Governor about your departments ongoing welfare schemes of both the state and the union government A power point presentation may also be prepared for the purpose and it is to be discussed before the presentation The date and time will be intimated soon the letter dated October 18 said Government sources indicated that the letter has been sent to department heads while Raj Bhavan sources declined to make a comment saying it is confidential The letter from the Chief Secretary to the department heads assumes significance as the DMK when it was in the opposition 2016-21 had staunchly opposed former Governor Banwarilal Purohits review of state schemes and tour of districts The DMK had staged protests against Purohit waved black flags and dubbed his action an attack on the states autonomy Purohit had however strongly defended his action saying it was within the framework of the Constitution Subsequently Purohit over a period of time ceased to hold such review meetings though the AIADMK which was then holding the reins of power did not object to it In its reaction the ruling DMK said there is nothing wrong in Governor Ravi seeking to know about the welfare schemes In fact it is the Governors duty to know about welfare schemes a DMK spokesperson told PTI When asked about his partys opposition to Purohits review meetings when the AIADMK was in power spokesperson J Constantine Ravindran said Only if the Governor interferes in the administration it is not acceptable Without the knowledge of the Chief Minister if the Governor directly instructs officials that is unacceptable This is completely different The Governor only wants to know about departments and welfare schemes implemented by them There is absolutely nothing wrong in getting to know about such schemes This is official On September 18 2021 Ravi was sworn in as Governor of Tamil Nadu Previously he had been Nagaland Governor A former IPS officer he has worked in various capacities including in the CBI and the Intelligence Bureau The Congress party had then criticised the Centre for appointing him saying it is suspicious since a former senior police official was chosen PTI VGN SS SS