Stalin Taunts AIADMK, BJP Over Silent Response To Governor Bill Verdict

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly witnessed a charged session Wednesday as Chief Minister MK Stalin and Speaker M Appavu criticized the opposition AIADMK and BJP MLAs for their muted response to a recent Supreme Court verdict, The New Indian Express reported.

The ruling, which strongly condemned Governor RN Ravi's delay in assenting to ten crucial bills, has become a focal point of political contention in the state.

Following the Supreme Court's decision, Chief Minister Stalin called upon DMK and allied legislators to express their appreciation by thumping their desks. The Assembly responded with enthusiastic applause and vocal support. However, AIADMK members, including Chief Whip SP Velumani and Deputy Leader of the Opposition RB Udhayakumar, along with BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan, remained notably silent.

Stalin, a vocal proponent of the bills, indirectly addressed the opposition, urging them to acknowledge the Supreme Court's ruling and the public's support for the legislation. Notably, one of the bills involved renaming the Tamil Nadu Fisheries University in honor of former AIADMK Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

Speaker Appavu echoed Stalin's sentiment, expressing disappointment at the AIADMK's lack of acknowledgment, particularly given the bill honoring their former leader.

Adding a layer of political jibe, Stalin commented on the AIADMK MLAs' black attire, worn as a sign of protest. "I appreciate the choice of black shirts," he remarked, quipping, "It's a relief they opted for black and not saffron," referencing the BJP's traditional color.

This exchange further escalated existing political tensions between the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK and BJP. Disputes over the Governor's role in the legislative process and other policy matters have consistently strained relations between these parties. The opposition's silence on the Supreme Court ruling underscores the deep political divisions that continue to shape the Tamil Nadu Assembly.