The appointment of RN Ravi, the former Governor of Nagaland as the new Governor of Tamil Nadu has drawn criticism from members of the ruling coalition in the state. Tamil Nadu Congress chief KS Alagiri and VCK leader, Thol. Thirumavalavan have both expressed their skepticism about the move, viewing the appointment as an attempt by the Union government to undermine the autonomy of the state, particularly since Chief Minister MK Stalin has recently made decisions in line with asserting Tamil Nadu’s federal rights.
RN Ravi is a native of Bihar and a retired IPS officer from the 1976 batch of Kerala cadre. He was also an officer of the Intelligence Bureau. In addition to his duties as the Governor of Nagaland he also served as interlocutor between the Union government and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-Isak-Muivah).
Alagiri said that the intentions behind the appointment of RN Ravi appear to be an attempt to target the DMK-led government. He also highlighted the appointment of another former IPS officer Kiran Bedi as Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry where he pointed out there had been interference with the elected government eventually leading to its collapse. He remarked that both had IPS backgrounds,
Thriumavalavan speaking at a press meet today, September 11, said in response to a question regarding the appointment of RN Ravi that no matter who is appointed the Governor, nothing can be done to dissolve the government in Tamil Nadu. “This is a government formed by the strong support of the people. The DMK also has the strong support of the allied parties. We are duty-bound to state that whatever plots they come up with, it won’t work in Tamil Nadu."
Thirumavalavan also said that the work that Ravi did in Nagaland is being discussed in a lot of places. "It is being said that he was a part of the IB, particularly it's being said that he is someone capable of attempting to undo assertion of linguistic identities and regional-nationalism," he added.
The Congress has said that they fear that his appointment is a carefully thought out plot in this regard. The VCK also views the appointment in the same light
The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday, September 8 passed a resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Stalin alleged that the Act is separating refugees on the basis of religion and country of origin instead of embracing them and goes against the idea of secularism. The Chief Minister has already sent many letters to the Prime Minister on various issues highlighting that many of the Union government's decisions went against the federal nature of the country. The state is also set to pass a resolution against NEET examination on September 13, Monday.