Chennai, July 5 (IANS) The Communist Party of India (CPI) on Sunday accused Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar of attempting to function as a “parallel government” through his remarks inviting members of the public to approach Raj Bhavan with their grievances and sought the intervention of President Droupadi Murmu.

In a statement, CPI state Secretary M. Veerapandian said the Governor’s comments, made during a book release function at Raj Bhavan on Saturday, amounted to an open challenge to the authority of the democratically elected State government.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor had said that people facing problems could approach Raj Bhavan for assistance. He also stated that individuals and organisations working to eliminate social inequalities could seek support from the Governor’s office.

Reacting to the remarks, Veerapandian alleged that the Governor was exceeding the constitutional limits of his office by presenting Raj Bhavan as an alternative platform for grievance redressal. He argued that such statements created the impression that the Governor intended to perform functions reserved for the elected government, thereby interfering in the State’s administration.

“The Governor’s remarks amount to a declaration that Raj Bhavan will function as a parallel government,” Veerapandian said, adding that such actions undermined the federal structure and the constitutional framework governing the relationship between the Union and the States.

The CPI leader urged the Tamil Nadu government and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to initiate both legal and political measures to prevent what he described as an abuse of constitutional authority by the Governor.

Veerapandian also referred to the Supreme Court’s earlier judgment in the legal dispute between the Tamil Nadu government and the Governor, saying the apex court had clearly defined the constitutional powers and limitations of a Governor. He contended that the Governor’s latest remarks were inconsistent with those judicial principles and amounted to interference in the functioning of the elected government.

Calling for intervention at the highest level, Veerapandian appealed to President Murmu to take appropriate action against the Governor. He alleged that the Governor had acted beyond the authority vested in the office by the Constitution and had disregarded the constitutional boundaries laid down by the Supreme Court. The latest criticism adds to the continuing political friction between Raj Bhavan and parties in Tamil Nadu over the Governor’s role and constitutional responsibilities. —

–IANS

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