In the latest exchange of words between Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and Governor R N Ravi, the latter said the southern state seemed determined to continue its fight — against delimitation, NEET, and even him. Taking a swipe at the state government, Ravi questioned who the state was fighting, saying there was “no enemy” or “conflict.” Addressing devotees at the 202nd Avatar Day celebrations of Saint Thiruvarutprakasa Vallalar at Raj Bhavan on Sunday, Ravi said he was deeply moved by Vallalar’s universal message of Sanmarga — the path of righteousness — which calls for compassion and equality. Referring to the DMK’s slogan “Tamil Nadu Poraadum” (Tamil Nadu is fighting), he said, “When I travel across Tamil Nadu, I see walls painted with the slogan ‘Tamil Nadu Poraadum’ (Tamil Nadu is fighting). My question is: fighting with whom? There is no enemy, no conflict here. Tamil Nadu is not under attack. We must live in harmony. It’s time we erase such divisive thoughts from our minds." Responding to Ravi’s remarks, Stalin hit back in a detailed post on X in Tamil, listing what he said the state would continue to fight against — Hindi imposition, religious fanaticism, delimitation, NEET, and the Governor himself. The Chief Minister's jibe also included a veiled reference to the Supreme Court judgment that termed Ravi’s refusal to assent to 10 state bills “illegal and unconstitutional.” "'Who will Tamil Nadu fight against?' the Governor has asked…" Stalin began, before launching into a series of pointed assertions. "It is fighting against the arrogance that says education funds will only be provided if the Hindi language is accepted! It is fighting against the conspiracy that enters educational institutions meant to foster scientific thinking, spreading superstitions and fabricated stories, dragging the younger generation a century backward." Continuing his tirade, Stalin wrote, "It is fighting against the cunning groups that, filled with religious fanaticism up to their heads, cling to religion at every turn and hinder the nation’s progress!" "We go to court every time to uphold state rights against the Governor’s overreach of authority. We continue to fight against those who intend to diminish the dignity of the Constitution! It is fighting against the conspirators who threaten to take industries, industrial growth, and job opportunities meant for Tamil Nadu to other states!" The DMK chief also targeted the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its ideological influence, saying, "It is fighting against the domineering fanatics who, with the backing of the RSS, seek to disrupt the unity of the Indian people and reinstate Manusmriti! From attempting to tarnish the universal Thiruvalluvar with saffron to wishing that the truths of Keezhadi remain buried underground, it is fighting against such malice!" "தமிழ்நாடு யாருடன் போராடும்?" என ஆளுநர் கேட்டுள்ளார்… இந்தி மொழியை ஏற்றுக்கொண்டால்தான், கல்வி நிதியைக் கொடுப்போம் என இருக்கும் ஆணவத் திமிருக்கு எதிராகப் போராடும்! அறிவியல் மனப்பான்மையை விதைக்கும் கல்வி நிலையங்களுக்குள் சென்று மூடநம்பிக்கைகளையும் - புரட்டுக் கதைகளையும் சொல்லி,… — M.K.Stalin - தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) October 5, 2025 On policy issues, Stalin reiterated his opposition to the delimitation exercise and the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). "It is fighting against the conspiracy to weaken Tamil Nadu’s strength through delimitation! It is fighting against the NEET altar, imposed like the demand for Ekalavya’s thumb!" he wrote. Taking one final swipe at Ravi Stalin added, "Even if the nation is ruined, Tamil Nadu, with its 11.19% growth, shines as a beacon for other states, and it is fighting against the foxes who spread slander daily, yearning for riots to erupt! Even after being rejected and sent back by the people of Nagaland, the Governor, who works only to create confusion among the people of Tamil Nadu, is also being fought against! In the end, Tamil Nadu will triumph! It will protect the entirety of India!" The exchange adds another chapter to the long-running tussle between the DMK government and Ravi, who have clashed over a range of issues from the delay in clearing Assembly-passed bills and the imposition of NEET to remarks on Tamil Nadu’s political slogans and rights.
