Governor Ravi Should Not Be Blamed, Stop Politicising Anthem Row: Union Minister Murugan Tells DMK

Chennai: Criticizing the ruling DMK on Saturday for targeting Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi over the state anthem issue, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan said that the governor should not be held accountable for any ‘lapse’ adding that state government is trying to distract the public from the flooding issues that occurred on October 15.

"How can the Governor be held responsible for the lapse in missing a line from the state anthem during its rendition? It could happen to anybody or even me," the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting said. 

'Governor Not Responsible For Lapse'

While rendering the Tamil Thai Valthu at the valedictory of Hindi month held at Doordarshan Tamil office here on Friday evening, where the governor participated, the troupe reciting the anthem inadvertently skipped a line. The Doordarshan Kendra had clarified and tendered an apology.

The omitted line: "Thekkanamum Adhil sirantha Dravida Nal Thiru naadum" refers to the greatness of the Dravidian land in the Deccan.

Murugan accused the DMK government of engaging in politics and misleading the public regarding the language issue.

"This is not 1960 for the DMK to do politics. People are well aware and won't allow it," the Minister said and called upon the ruling dispensation to involve itself in developmental work, especially in closing down Tasmac liquor outlets and preventing flooding in Chennai.

Stalin Had Called For Governor's Removal 

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has called for the removal of state governor RN Ravi after he skipped the word ‘Dravidian’ from the state’s anthem at a public event recently. In a post on X, Chief Minister Stalin lashed out at Governor Ravi and said that the latter might be having Dravidian Allergy'.

“Governor? Are you an Aryan? Removing the word Dravidian is against the law of Tamil Nadu! A person who does not act according to the law and acts according to his will is not fit to hold that office. In the guise of celebrating India, the governor is insulting the unity of the country and the people of different races living in this land!,” Chief Minister Stalin posted on X.