Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit has taken a harsh stand on the agitations against him, primarily by the main Opposition party DMK. In an open warning through a Raj Bhavan press release of jail terms specified for those who “restrain or overawe by criminal force or show of criminal force” the President and governors, the ceremonial head of a state has made a statement of intent that’s far too political in nature. This provision may have lain unused since the Raj era, and the Opposition sees it as an “intimidating” move. The police had, in fact, done its duty in arresting Stalin for obstructing the passage to Raj Bhavan. He was released later, but a case was also slapped against him.
The bone of contention is the meetings the governor is holding with state employees in districts, abridging the elected government’s rights by seeking to directly oversee its work. Terming the meetings as a “review” of government work, the Opposition has claimed that the governor is overstepping the duties of his constitutional, largely ornamental post. The governor’s contention is such meetings are just part of a familiarisation process, and the head of state “enjoys unhindered freedom to meet and interact with state officials”. It’s beside the point that such meetings aren’t common in BJP-ruled states even if the Opposition overstates it. The fact is that this governor is attempting a more proactive role, and is open about it. While there may be little of consequence in his meetings, he has to recognise that the people have the right to protest. The implied threat of repression is completely unwarranted.
