Tamil Nadu Governor's Review Meeting with Officials Sparks Constitutional Debate

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has criticised Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar for holding a review meeting with officials in Madurai on Thursday, arguing that the move oversteps his constitutional role.

Addressing a press conference in Puducherry on Friday, former Tamil Nadu unit secretary of CPI (M) K. Balakrishnan said the Governor has no role in the day-to-day functioning of an elected government and cannot interfere in its operations. He urged the Tamil Nadu government to condemn the Governor's decision.

The Governor's action raises questions about the boundaries of constitutional authority. Under Article 154 of the Indian Constitution, the executive power of the state is vested in the Governor, but it is exercised on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers. However, the Governor retains certain discretionary powers, such as recommending President's rule or granting assent to bills. Review meetings with district officials are not explicitly outlined in the Constitution, leading to differing interpretations.

Balakrishnan also criticised Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy for failing to elect a new Speaker and allocate portfolios to ministers, even two months after the assembly election results were declared. He noted that other states which held simultaneous elections have already convened assembly sessions and passed their annual budgets.

“Mr. Rangasamy is only interested in protecting his Chief Minister’s chair. He is not interested in addressing the issues of the public. It is highly condemnable that the AINRC-BJP combine, even after getting a majority in the Assembly could not provide a good government,” Balakrishnan said.

Puducherry CPI(M) unit secretary S. Ramachandran was also present at the press conference.