BJP Demands Apology from Tamil Nadu Minister Over Governor Remarks

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu has demanded an apology from State Minister R. Nirmalkumar for comments suggesting that even relatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah could be appointed as Governors.

BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran, in a social media post on Tuesday, accused the minister of lacking basic understanding of the Constitution. He described the remarks as “irresponsible” and aimed at bringing disrepute to the two leaders, who, he said, have been serving the country for over a decade.

Nagenthran also criticized the law-and-order situation in the state, claiming a rise in sexual crimes. He alleged that there was no difference between the current Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government and the previous Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, stating both were involved in “hate politics.”

The BJP leader demanded an apology, asserting that the Prime Minister has been appointing eminent persons with experience in politics, education, and public service as Governors. He further questioned Minister Nirmalkumar about his visits to Lok Bhavan during the government formation process, implying political maneuvers to prove majority. “Shall I release the list?” Nagenthran asked, warning against such “political stunts.”

The controversy arose when Nirmalkumar, during a press interaction, commented that even relatives of Modi and Shah could be appointed as Governors. The remark was seen as a critique of the central government's appointment process.

This incident adds to the ongoing political friction between the state government and the BJP-led central government, with both sides trading allegations over governance and constitutional propriety.