Would Have Made NEET Must In TN, Governor Cannot Be A Rubber Stamp: Telangana Governor Tamilisai

ABP Southern Rising Summit 2023: The session comes at a time when governments of TN and Telangana are at loggerheads with their Governors over issues like delays in clearing Bills passed in Assembly.

Tamilisai Soundararajan's session was on "Agent of Change or Agent Provocateur? Redefining the Governor's Role".

In the first sessions of ABP's Southern Rising Summit, Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan touched on various topics including National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the role of the Governor in a state. Tamilisai said she would have given the nod to the NEET Bill if she were the Governor of Tamil Nadu. On the role of the Governor, the Lt Governor of Puducherry said a Governor should be a speedbreaker so that mishaps do not take place in the government's decision. On Thursday, ABP Network unveiled 'The Southern Rising' Summit to celebrate the exceptional economic, cultural and social progress of the southern states of India. Tamilisai Soundararajan's session on "Agent of Change or Agent Provocateur? Redefining the Governor's Role" was the first in line. 

At the event, Tamilisai Soundararajan said, "From the day I took oath, I wanted to be people's Governor. To be the people's governor, Telangana Raj Bhavan is called Prajan Bhavan. Whatever may be the position it is for the people. However, whatever activities we carry out it is viewed with a political mirror."

Citing Article 167 of the constitution on the Chief Minister's responsibilities towards the Governor, Tamilisai Sounddarajan said that she had not met Telangana CM in three years.

Tamilisai Soundararajan said, "When the Governor says opposing views, do not see them as Oppents. Talk to them with an objective view even if you are ruling or opposing the government. Both can come together to find solutions to most of the problems. However, it is not being done." 

She also said that she misses being a politician. 

In an interaction with ABP's Ganesh Ramachandran, she explained the duties of the Governor, and commented on the NEET Bill and the need for the role of a Governor.  

Q: Who is a Governor? 

Tamilisai Soundararajan: The Governor is not only a bridge between the Centre and state but also a bridge to the people. There are certain rules and responsibilities for the Governor.  But there is a belief that they should be in four walls and act like a rubber stamp. However, the governor should be a speed breaker so that mishaps do not take place. 

Q. When making a decision on what basis do you take? On the basis of constitution or based on right or wrong? 

Tamilisai Soundararajan: It's taking a right stand on the basis of the constitution

Q. Hypothetically, if Tamilisai was TN's Governor. Would you give nod for NEET Bill?

Tamilisai Soundararajan: NEET ruling was given by SC. I would have said NEET is important not only as a Governor but also as a doctor. So, I would have made NEET mandatory in Tamil Nadu. 

Further, Tamilisai said most of the time southern states are not projected properly and their talents are not shown the way they should be shown to the country. So, she said, "For conducting Southern Rising, ABP, we (South) are praising you."

The session came at a time when the governments of Tamil Nadu and Telangana have been at loggerheads with their Governors over issues including delays in clearing important Bills passed in the Assembly.

Throughout the day, 'The Southern Rising' Summit is set to witness personalities from various fields including politics and entertainment. The speakers are expected to share their views on the idea of a 'New India' and the upcoming Lok Sabha election 2024. 

 

Prominent politicians including IT Minister P Thiaga Rajan, Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development Udhayanidhi Stalin, Telangana MLC Kavitha and Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai are lined up to set the stage on fire. Prominent actors from the cine industry, including Rana Daggubati, Kushboo Sundar, Revathy, and Suhasini Maniratnam, will grace the stage.

Follow: The Southern Rising Summit 2023