The Tamil Nadu Governor’s action in calling for independent review meetings with officials of the State is a case of crossing the line and may not fit in with the role assigned to him under the Constitution that he is under obligation to uphold. His action closely follows that of the Puducherry Lieutenant Governor who has also locked horns with the elected Chief Minister there. How is it that Governors in BJP-ruled States do not indulge in such “theatrics and one-upmanship” that we seem to find only in States ruled by non-BJP parties?
V. Padmanabhan,
Bengaluru
Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit’s assertions that his actions are not in conflict with either the law or the Constitution are welcome. In the first place, he acted in the larger public interest and no plausible political motive can be attached to his decision. Gubernatorial activism, just like judicial activism, needs to be welcomed. It is strange that the Opposition, far from appreciating his initiative, has unfortunately chosen to protest against it in unison. It is a different matter that in the past, Governors in the State were content to be ceremonial heads. In a vibrant and mature democracy such as India, people’s welfare should be uppermost in the minds of rulers as also the guardians of the Constitution.
P.K. Varadarajan,
Chennai
