Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday issued a sharp rebuttal to Governor RN Ravi’s recent remarks questioning the state’s confrontational stance, asserting that Tamil Nadu has been “fighting against arrogance, fanaticism, and conspiracies” that threaten education, equality, democracy, and the federal spirit of India.
Governor Ravi had earlier commented that he noticed slogans like “Tamil Nadu poraadum” (Tamil Nadu will fight) across the state and asked rhetorically, “Fight with whom? No one is fighting against Tamil Nadu.”
Responding through a detailed post on X, Stalin listed out the “many battles” Tamil Nadu has been waging, beginning with its resistance to Hindi imposition and its defence of state autonomy. “It fights against the arrogance that says education funds will only be provided if Hindi is accepted,” he wrote, accusing the Centre of trying to “push superstition into institutions that should promote scientific temper.”
The Chief Minister also said Tamil Nadu was fighting anti-democratic forces that undermine elected governments and insult the Constitution’s dignity. He alleged that the state has repeatedly had to seek judicial intervention to counter the Governor’s overreach, citing multiple instances where Raj Bhavan allegedly delayed or obstructed governance.
Stalin further criticised “cunning groups filled with religious fanaticism” that he claimed were impeding India’s progress and accused “domineering fanatics with RSS backing” of attempting to “divide the nation and revive Manusmriti.” He also alleged a deliberate effort to shift Tamil Nadu’s industries and jobs to other states.
Citing specific issues, Stalin said Tamil Nadu continues to oppose NEET, delimitation, and the saffronisation of historical and cultural icons like Thiruvalluvar and the Keeladi excavations.
In a direct swipe at Governor Ravi, Stalin remarked, “Even after being rejected and sent away by the people of Nagaland, the Governor, who works only to create confusion among the people of Tamil Nadu, is also fought against.”
Concluding his statement, the Chief Minister declared that Tamil Nadu’s struggles were not acts of rebellion but of preservation — “In the end, Tamil Nadu will triumph and protect the entirety of India.”
