R N Ravi backtracks, but it’s not the first rap on the TN Governor’s knuckles by SC

After saying that doing so would be against “constitutional morality”, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi on Friday swore in DMK leader K Ponmudy as a minister in the state government. The turnaround came a day after the Supreme Court, hearing an appeal by the DMK against the Governor’s move blocking reinstatement of Ponmudy, said that not doing so would be defiance of its orders — thus marking another chapter in Ravi’s fractious relationship with the M K Stalin-led government in the state.

While Stalin faced issues with previous Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit as well, under Ravi, the Raj Bhavan and government have been in constant strife.

In January 2023, for example, Ravi suggested that the word ‘Tamizhagam’ was the “appropriate” name for Tamil Nadu, adding that “Nadu” gives the impression of talking about a separate “country”.

In Tamil Nadu, where regional pride overrides most other sentiments, the remarks drew a rebuff from not just the DMK, but also the AIADMK, the principal Opposition party in the state. Ravi eventually backtracked and issued a clarification, but only after a clash with the state government and an episode that saw him walk out of the Assembly.

Ravi then went on to argue that the Governor’s powers to withhold a Bill essentially meant its rejection. Again the DMK and AIADMK, apart from other parties, in one voice condemned the Governor’s interpretation of his powers, calling it contrary to “the spirit of cooperative federalism”. Subsequently, spotlight was drawn to the multiple Bills passed by the state Assembly that were held up with Ravi.

Ultimately, the Stalin government moved an unprecedented resolution against the Governor, accusing him of undermining the supremacy of the Legislature. The CM also