Congress, CPI MLAs to boycott Governor’s ‘At Home’ reception

Congress Legislature Party leader Selvaperunthagai criticises R.N. Ravi for “deliberately delaying” his assent to an important legislation passed by the Assembly; Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi too decides to stay away from the event

Leader of the Congress Legislature Party K. Selvaperunthagai said on Wednesday that his party MLAs would boycott the ‘At Home’ reception to be hosted by Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi at the Raj Bhavan on Republic Day.

In a statement, he criticised the Governor for “deliberately delaying” his assent to important legislation passed by the Assembly.

Alleging that the Governor was acting as the face of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, he condemned Mr. Ravi for running a parallel government and acting as an agent of the “fascist” BJP government at the Centre.

Citing a recent speech by the Governor in which he called for rewriting the history of the freedom struggle, he alleged that it was an indication that the Governor was continuing with his controversial speeches.

Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi leader and Panruti MLA T. Velmurugan said his party would also boycott the reception as the Governor was “insulting” the people of Tamil Nadu and the government by withholding assent to several Bills.

He said in a statement that the Governor’s conduct in the Assembly on January 9 went against the Constitution.