'It Was A Clear Case Of Foreign Funds..': TN Guv RN Ravi's Remark On Anti-Sterlite Protest Sparks Row

Governor RN Ravi said that the Sterlite protest was fuelled by foreign funds and was aimed at curbing progress. 

Tamil Nadu Governor Ravi made the remark during his address to civil service aspirants at Raj Bhavan in Chennai

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi sparked controversy on Thursday with his remark over anti-Sterlite protests in the state. The Governor said that the Sterlite protest was fuelled by foreign funds and was aimed at curbing progress. 

On May 22-23, 2018, the people of Thoothukudi staged a protest against Sterlite copper smelter plant as it was allegedly causing air, water and soil pollution. During the protest, the police opened fire on the protesters which led to the death of 13 people. 

On Thursday, Governor Ravi in his address during the interaction with civil service aspirants at Raj Bhavan, as per PTI said, donors sitting in foreign countries had sent money here for activities that were "anti-national" in nature. He said, "Take the case of Sterlite's Copper Smelter plant in Thoothukudi. It was a clear case of foreign funds, which led to protests and firing that cost innocent lives. That is the saddest part of it."

"They wanted Sterlite to be closed because it met 40 per cent of our copper needs," the Governor said. 

RN Ravi said: "Those behind the protest were receiving FCRA (foreign contributions). We need to be strict with the Act.... Of course people have freedom and the constitutional right to protest but government has to ensure that our national interests are protected and nothing inhibits or retards our growth."

However, his statement soon drew the ire of the DMK and its allies. 

DMK's deputy general secretary and MP Kanimozhi and Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) chief Vaiko condemned Ravi for the remark.

Kanimozhi as per PTI said, the remark was "defaming the people's struggle against Sterlite". She also sought evidence from the Governor to substantiate his claims on Sterlite.

MDMK Chief Vaiko termed the remark as "height of arrogance" by Ravi.

RN Ravi is a former Kerala cadre IPS officer who served in CBI and IB.