In a first, Governor reviews development works

Perhaps for the first time ever, Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Tuesday reviewed the development works in Coimbatore triggering statewide uproar among opposition parties on the BJP’s intervention into Tamil Nadu’s state of affairs. 

On his first visit to Coimbatore after taking charge as Governor, Banwarilal held discussions extending up to three hours with officials comprising District Collector TN Hariharan, City Police Commissioner A Amalraj, Corporation Commissioner V Vijayakarthikeyan on the various developmental projects in Coimbatore. 

He then met representatives of political parties. It is un-common for a Governor to hold meetings with bureaucrats and representatives of political parties, unless the situation warrants during political emergencies. That too, it used to be confined only to the official residence of the Raj Bhavan. 

The chock-a-block meetings of the Governor have raised speculations among opposition political parties of the BJP led Central government meddling in matters of the state government. “A Governor interfering with the state affairs is unheard of anywhere else. It clearly amounts to violating the state autonomy and snatching away the rights of a state. This only strengthens the fear that the BJP is running a ‘benami’ government in Tamil Nadu,” said K Ramakrishnan, president of Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam (TPDK). 

Around six TPDK cadres led by Ramakrishnan were arrested for protesting near Circuit House in Race Course in Coimbatore. The protestors also raised slogans that the BJP-led Narendra Modi government is trying to find a stronghold in Tamil Nadu through the ‘weak’ AIADMK. 

The string of meetings evoked comparisons with Puducherry, where the Chief Minister V Narayanasamy has been accusing the Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi of interfering with the affairs of the state. 

Putting up a brave face, the AIADMK leaders laid a red carpet to the Governor’s new task, claiming that it helps to maintain a healthy relationship between the state and Centre. 

Local Administration Minister SP Velumani said, “There is nothing wrong in the Governor meeting officials and it will not affect the state autonomy in any way. In fact, the Governor reviewing the development works will only help Tamil Nadu to get more from Central schemes.” 

His itinerary does not end with just discussions as Banwarilal is also likely to participate in cleaning programmes as part of Swachh Bharat scheme, a pet project of the Prime Minister in Coimbatore on Wednesday. He would then be proceeding to Tirupur to participate in a tree plantation drive.