‘Won’t be cowed by such childish behaviour’: TN CM Stalin slams Governor RN Ravi for refusing to read prepared speech

“Doesn’t this action degrade the legacy of this century-old legislature? Doesn’t it disregard the millions of Tamils? Doesn’t it amount to violating the Constitution by which he took the oath of office?” the Chief Minister asked, referring to Ravi’s refusal to read the prepared text of the Governor’s address in the Assembly on Monday.

Stalin said, “Our party (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) has navigated through several obstacles and is challenging the fascist and autocratic rule in the country with a brave heart. We will not be cowed by such childish behaviour.”

During his speech, Stalin listed down the achievements of his government and claimed that earlier they themselves had raised the slogan ‘Vadaku Vaazhgirathu, Therku Theigirathu’ (north shines, south wanes), but the state has now progressed to a stage where the south is shining and is even contributing to the north and this was all possible due to the Dravidian movement.

He said, “The government was able to make these achievements despite severe financial burdens and I don’t want to brief much on how the Union government is providing a step-motherly treatment to the states.”

Stalin also alleged the state is yet to receive the relief funds from the Union government for the floods Tamil Nadu encountered last year.

He also announced that considering a plea from the less privileged people living in the rural areas, the government would renovate and repair about 2.5 lakh houses constructed before 2001 under various government schemes, at a cost of Rs 2,000 crore within the next two years.

Meanwhile, AIADMK leader Edappadi while addressing the media outside the Assembly alleged that the Stalin-led DMK government did not complete their poll promises and has cancelled many schemes that were introduced during the erstwhile AIADMK government.