The ongoing tussle between Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi and the state government intensified on Friday, as the Governor accused the government of intimidating vice-chancellors (VCs) of state universities to boycott a conference convened by the Raj Bhavan in Ooty. “None of the state university VCs are participating. They have informed me they were warned by the state government,” Guv Ravi said during his speech at the inauguration of the two-day Vice-Chancellors’ conference.
Midnight knock and threats, claims Guv RN Ravi
According to the Governor, a VC who arrived in Ooty was allegedly visited at midnight by police and warned against attending. “He was told he wouldn’t be able to return home to his family if he participated,” Ravi said. He maintained that the conference was non-political and focused on improving education standards.
‘Illegal’ conference: DMK slams Governor
Soon after the Governor’s remarks, DMK MP P Wilson issued a sharp response, calling the event “illegal” and the Governor’s statements “false and irresponsible.”
“How can a Governor make such baseless allegations against his own government?” Wilson said, accusing Ravi of attempting to politicise the university space with ideological agendas. He warned that the Governor’s comments could incite unrest and accused him of abusing constitutional immunity.
Guv vs Govt: Tensions in TN escalate after SC ruling
This latest flashpoint comes in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that backed the Tamil Nadu government’s authority to appoint university Vice-Chancellors. Following the verdict, CM Stalin held a meeting with the VCs and Registrars of the state-run universities — a move seen by many as a reaffirmation of state control.
As the elections edge closer in Tamil Nadu, the power struggle between the Governor and the Government appears far from over.
