Why Is Tamil Nadu Witnessing CM Stalin vs Guv RN Ravi? What’s The Row Over Tamil Anthem

Following the incident, Doordarshan clarified and apologised. However, CM Stalin questioned why Governor RN Ravi did not condemn the oversight, asking, "You say you can sing Tamil Thai Valthu with complete devotion, but why did you not immediately condemn when the singers missed a line pertaining to Dravida?" 

What Caused The Controversy?

During a valedictory event for Hindi month at the Doordarshan Tamil office, in which Governor RN Ravi participated, a performing troupe inadvertently skipped a line from the Tamil anthem, "Thekkanamum Adhil sirantha Dravida Nal Thiru naadum" which refers to the greatness of the Dravidian land in the Deccan.

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MK Stalin reacted strongly to SN Ravi’s comments regarding the controversy, asserting that Tamil identity is intertwined with the language and culture. "If discriminating against our mother tongue is racism then it is our pride!" 

In response to the Governor's claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi promoted Tamil at the United Nations, MK Stalin challenged the central government’s actions, questioning why it has not declared the Tamil treatise Thirukkural as a national book while allegedly favouring Sanskrit.

MK Stalin concluded by reiterating his request for the governor to fulfil his duties without succumbing to divisive politics. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin downplayed the issue, noting that Doordarshan has issued an apology. “Let’s see,” he said when asked about the controversy.

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CM Stalin Urges Centre To Recall Governor

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin also called on the Union government to recall Governor R N Ravi, accusing him of insulting the people of Tamil Nadu by failing to address the issue immediately. In response, Governor RN Ravi swiftly addressed the issue on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), rejecting CM Stalin’s accusations. 

Governor RN Ravi asserted, "I recite the full Tamil Thai Valthu with reverence and precision at every function." He went on to criticise Stalin’s remarks as “unfortunately cheap,” suggesting they tarnished the dignity of the chief minister’s office. He further stated that the chief minister’s allegations were unfounded, and his comments were racially charged. 

"Making racist remarks and alleging incorrect imputations against the governor by the chief minister is unfortunately cheap and lowers the dignity of the high constitutional office of the chief minister," the Governor said. He added that he felt compelled to respond since CM Stalin had made his accusations public.

(With agency inputs)