Congress, VCK to Skip Tamil Nadu Governor’s Independence Day Tea Party

Speedy Summary

• Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K.Selvaperunthagai announced that the party’s MLAs will boycott the tea party hosted by Tamil Nadu governor R.N.Ravi on Independence day at Raj Bhavan, Chennai.
• Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) founder Thol. Thirumavalavan also stated that his party would not participate in the event, despite thanking the Governor for the invitation.
• The boycott is in protest against what TNCC has termed “anti-Tamil nadu activities” of the Governor, along with condemnation of issues such as:

– The Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) carried out in Bihar.- the Governor’s decision to defer assent to a Bill passed by the Tamil Nadu assembly to set up a university named after Kalaignar Karunanidhi adn rather sending it to the President for review.

• A similar boycott was staged by TNCC during Independence Day celebrations in 2024 over allegations that R.N. Ravi had obstructed proper functioning of Tamil Nadu’s democratically elected government.

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Indian Opinion Analysis
The decision by political parties like TNCC and VCK to boycott an official event hosted by a constitutional authority highlights ongoing tensions between some segments of Tamil Nadu’s political leadership and its current governor, R.N. Ravi. Disputes over matters such as delayed assent for legislative bills or alleged obstructions could point toward deeper issues regarding federal balance and state autonomy within India’s framework.

While symbolic gestures like boycotts may assert dissent, they also risk potential disruption in institutional relationships necessary for governance continuity and mutual dialog across levels of government leadership. These tensions underline broader discussions on reforms needed to address state-versus-center conflicts without undermining democratic processes or governance efficiency-an issue significant not just for Tamil nadu but across India’s federal structure.