CHENNAI: A week after launching a stinging attack on the Tamil Nadu government during his customary Republic Day address on Saturday, Governor RN Ravi criticized the state again, accusing it of "mocking" Mahatma Gandhi by observing his death anniversary in “a corner of a city (Egmore) museum” rather than at the Gandhi Mandapam, the memorial dedicated to him in Guindy.
Strongly refuting the charges, Information Minister MP Saminathan said the Governor's allegation was factually wrong and urged the latter to nurture communal harmony among the people instead of politicising the death anniversary of Gandhi.
Governor, in his official X handle, said, “My repeated requests to the Chief Minister to accord due respect to the Father of the Nation and hold such events in a befitting manner at the Gandhi Mandapam (was) met with stubborn refusal.”
“During his life time Gandhiji was vigorously opposed and mocked by the followers of Dravid(ian) ideology. But should he continue to be mocked at even today?" the Governor asked, questioning the need for observing Gandhi’s birthday and death anniversary in the museum when a “grand memorial” built by late Chief Minister K Kamaraj is available.
The Minister, in his response, said that it was wrong to say that the event was observed in a “corner” of a museum since it was conducted near the main gate of the museum which is of great heritage. "This can be observed by looking at the photo of CM paying homage with the Pantheon Road and the flyover in the background. However, the Governor can only see slander," he added.
Pointing out that Gandhi Jayanthi and Martyr’s Day were earlier observed near the famous Gandhi statue on the Marina beach. However, since metro rail-related work has been happening there now, a new statue was installed at the Egmore Museum in 2022 and the events have been observed there since then. The Minister further said even Ravi had taken part in such events at the museum in the past.
Alleging that the Governor knew who assassinated Gandhi, Saminathan said, "January 30 is not just the day when Gandhi died. He was assassinated by Hindutva terrorists. Those who killed Mahatma out of religious bigotry are running bloodthirsty today. It is those subscribing to Dravidian ideology, as mentioned by the Governor, who are fighting against such forces today. Tamil Nadu people know well the intentions of those supporting the people and organisation that killed Gandhi”.
Referring to Ravi’s criticism that those following Dravidian ideology mocked Gandhi during his lifetime, Saminathan said that the followers of Dravidian leader and DMK founder CN Annadurai love Gandhi and the country, and not the ones who celebrate the killers of Gandhi.