Chennai, July 5 (IANS) Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVMK) leader and former MLA T. Velmurugan on Sunday strongly criticised Tamil Nadu’s Acting Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, accusing him of attempting to undermine democratic principles and federalism through his recent remarks and official engagements in the state.

In a post on X, Velmurugan alleged that the Governor’s recent review meeting in Madurai and his comments at a book release function in Chennai reflected an attempt by the Union government to expand the Governor’s role beyond the constitutional framework.

He claimed these actions were part of a broader effort to weaken the federal structure and interfere in the functioning of the elected state government.

Referring to the Governor’s visit to Madurai, Velmurugan cited Arlekar’s remarks on the condition of the Vaigai river. During a public event, the Governor had said: “I saw the Vaigai river in Madurai. There is a river, but where is the water? We must all take responsibility for restoring it.”

The Governor had also said that patriotism was not limited to taking up arms for the nation but also included restoring natural resources such as rivers. He urged the youth of Madurai to take up the restoration of the Vaigai as a mission and remarked that if no one came forward, Raj Bhavan itself would initiate efforts.

During his visit, Arlekar also held a review meeting with Madurai District Collector Nishanth Krishna and other officials, during which he sought details about the river.

Velmurugan also objected to the Governor’s remarks at a book release function held at Raj Bhavan on Saturday. Addressing the gathering, Arlekar had invited people working for public welfare to approach Raj Bhavan with their grievances. He said issues brought before him would be conveyed to the Tamil Nadu government and that he would advise the government on possible solutions.

The Governor also said that people could suggest solutions directly to him, which he would, in turn, place before Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

Describing these remarks as constitutionally inappropriate, Velmurugan said the Governor appeared to be acting like an elected representative rather than a constitutional head. Conducting review meetings and inviting public grievances while promising to advise the state government, he said, amounted to exceeding the Governor’s constitutional authority.

The TVK leader urged the Tamil Nadu government to safeguard the state’s autonomy and asserted that previous governments had consistently defended state rights. He alleged that the state government’s restrained response to what he termed the Governor’s repeated constitutional violations created the impression that it was accommodating such interventions. Velmurugan further alleged that the Governor’s actions formed part of the Union government’s efforts to erode federalism and increase central influence over the administration of states.

–IANS

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