In a gesture of political courtesy amid past tensions, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin met Governor RN Ravi at Raj Bhavan in Chennai on Saturday. Stalin extended warm congratulations to Ravi on his appointment as the new Governor of West Bengal.
The meeting, held at the Governor’s official residence in Guindy, unfolded with formality and goodwill despite previous frictions between the two leaders. Official sources confirmed that Stalin visited Raj Bhavan as a mark of respect following the central government’s announcement of Ravi’s transfer to West Bengal.
During the cordial exchange, the Chief Minister honored Ravi with a traditional shawl and presented a statue of the revered Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar as a symbol of goodwill. This exchange highlights a moment of decorum at the close of Ravi’s tenure in Tamil Nadu.
Relations between the DMK-led state government and Governor Ravi have been strained over the past few years. Key disputes centered on administrative and legislative matters, particularly delays in approving bills passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
The state government accused the Governor of unnecessarily holding back critical legislation, hampering the elected government’s functioning. Tensions peaked, leading the administration to approach the Supreme Court for directives on the Governor’s role and timelines for bill approvals.
Observers view Saturday’s meeting as a dignified closure to a contentious chapter. It signals the end of Ravi’s eventful stint in Tamil Nadu, paving the way for his new responsibilities in Kolkata.
This development follows the resignation of CV Anand Bose from the West Bengal Governor’s post on March 5, creating a vacancy. President Droupadi Murmu subsequently appointed RN Ravi to fill the role.
In a related announcement, RV Arlekar has been tasked with additional charge of Tamil Nadu’s Governor position until further arrangements. Political analysts describe the Stalin-Ravi interaction as a formal yet significant milestone, underscoring constitutional propriety after prolonged discord.