Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam may become the first Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu to hoist the national flag on Republic Day (January 26) this year, as Governor Vidyasagar Rao, who is holding the post in addition to his main charge as Maharashtra Governor, will not be available on the day.
This has been conveyed to the State government, a source at the Raj Bhavan said, adding that the Chief Minister could be requested to unfurl the flag.
Mr. Vidyasagar Rao, who became the Governor of the western State in August 2014, was made the officiating Governor of Tamil Nadu in September last year, following the completion of the term of K. Rosaiah in August.
Since 1974, Governors in State capitals have been unfurling the flag on Republic Day, and Chief Ministers on Independence Day.
Officials here pointed out that as per rules and precedents (as happened elsewhere in the country), it is the Chief Minister who will unfurl the flag in the event of the Governor not making it to the Republic Day celebration in the State capital.
