Chennai: “Without understanding the basis of my (TN Governor RN Ravi) speech, arguments have been made that the Governor is against the word 'Tamil Nadu',” said an official note from Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor on Wednesday. The issue over the usage of Tamil Nadu vs. Tamilagam started after Governor referred Tamil Nadu as Tamilagam at the Assembly and the Pongal invite from Raj Bhavan.
On Wednesday, a release from Tamil Nadu Governor’s Office said, "In an event at Raj Bhavan on January 4, 2023 to felicitate the volunteers of Kashi Tamil Sangamam, a recently concluded month-long festival celebrating the age old cultural connect of Tamil people with Kashi, while dwelling upon the historical cultural connect between the two, I referred to the word 'Tamizhagam'. In those days, there was no Tamil Nadu'. Hence in historical-cultural context, I referred to the word 'Tamizhagam' as a 'more appropriate expression'.”
An interpretation or inference that it was a suggestion to change the name of Tamil Nadu is erroneous and far-fetched, the release said.
Raj Bhavan said: “Without understanding the basis of my speech, arguments that the Governor is against the word 'Tamil Nadu' have become a topic of discussion. Hence, am giving this clarification to put an end to it."
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The statement came just as Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi flew to New Delhi once again on Wednesday. The visit of Governor came just four days after his first visit to Delhi for the year between January 13 and January 14, 2023.
The Governor is also expected to meet Home Minister Amit Shah during the visit.
Earlier, the cold-war between State and RN Ravi stooped to a new low on January 9 after Ravi refused to read the exact speech given by the state government.
The Governor also used the word Tamilagam instead of Tamil Nadu.