CPI(M) State secretary K. Balakrishnan has written to President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging them to immediately recall Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit.
In his letter to both the leaders, a copy of which has been released to the media, he noted that assistant professor Nirmala Devi, who was suspended and subsequently arrested in connection with an alleged attempt to lure girl students of a private college in Aruppukottai to fulfil sexual favours of higher officials, mentioned the Governor during a telephonic conversation with the girls.
Her discreet way of telling the girls about the carnal needs of the higher officials and other comments like “The Governor is not an old man” revealed what those involved in the scandal were planning, Mr. Balakrishnan said.
“The incident has led to speculation that the Governor, his office and many higher officials of the Higher Education department and certain universities in Tamil Nadu may have had a hand in this sort of activity,” he said.
He also referred to media reports about a complaint of sexual misdemeanour having been made against the Governor of a southern State.
To facilitate a proper inquiry into the Aruppukottai audiotape case, the Governor should be immediately recalled, Mr. Balakrishnan said, and called for the disbanding of the probe panel constituted by the Governor to probe the case.
“These kinds of dubious and reprehensible activities that are taking place in universities in the State are highly condemnable. [That] the Governor’s office itself is embroiled in a controversy is intolerable,” he said, and appealed to the President and the Prime Minister to recall the Governor and “salvage the reputation” of the office of the Governor and of universities and educational institutions across the State.
VCK backs call
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan has backed the CPI(M)’s demand that Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit be recalled.
Speaking to reporters here on Sunday, Mr. Thirumavalavan said he welcomed the CPI(M)’s stand against the Governor who, according to him, had overstepped his constitutional mandate. His actions could lead to friction between the Central and State governments, the VCK leader felt.
