TN Governor RN Ravi ‘Pleasant’ For Interaction But ‘Excessive Delay’ In NEET Decision Incorrect, Says TN CM Stalin

Further, the CM said, such delays of the Governor reaffirm that there is no need for a Governor. 

TN CM Stalin | Credit: Twitter/@mkstalin

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday said that Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi is a 'pleasant person' to interact but his 'excessive delay in decision-making' on the NEET Bill is not correct. Further, the CM said, such delays of the Governor reaffirm that there is no need for a Governor. 

The ruling DMK led by Stalin had been demanding to recall Tamil Nadu Governor and to abolish the office of Governor, especially after the state government's relations with Raj Bhavan soured during NEET Exemption Bill controversy. The Tamil Nadu Assembly adopted a Bill for exemption from NEET but the Governor returned the Bill without sending it to President for his assent. Following this, the house has adopted a second Bill again this year.

TN CM Stalin told PTI, "The relationship between the Governor and us is good. Governor Ravi is pleasant to associate with. He is always interested in meeting and conversing at length. We do not want to criticise him on a personal note." 

"There is an excessive delay in his decision-making and sending. This is not correct. He was the first to repeal the NEET Exemption Bill. When we pass...a second time, he should send it to President himself. He is late in doing that... Otherwise, our firm position is that there is no need for a governorship," Stalin told in an interview during his Delhi visit.

Stalin also brought NEET issue for discussion during meet with PM Modi on Thursday. He also brought to the notice of PM Modi the Tamil Nadu Assembly resolution seeking exemption for the state from the NEET for admission to medical courses.

Further, when asked about his plan to tackle the inter-state Mullaperiyar dam and Cauvery water sharing disputes with Kerala and Karnataka, Stalin said, "We will make all efforts to assert the right of Tamil Nadu in the Cauvery and Mullaperiyar dam issues."

(With PTI inputs)