Governor RN Ravi Slams DMK Over Dalit Atrocities, Faces Fiery Pushback
War of Words: Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi vs DMK Over Dalit Atrocities
The political feud between Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and the DMK-led state government escalated yet again—this time over crimes against Dalits. Just days after facing a Supreme Court rebuke for blocking key Bills, the Governor took aim at the MK Stalin government during a speech on BR Ambedkar’s birth anniversary.
His emotional remarks about caste-based violence in Tamil Nadu triggered a strong rebuttal from state minister Govi Chezhiaan, who accused the Governor of spreading lies and pushing a Sanatan Dharma agenda.
Governor’s Speech: “Have We Fulfilled Ambedkar’s Dream?”
Emotional Call to Reflect on Caste Atrocities
At an event held to honor Dr. BR Ambedkar, the chief architect of India’s Constitution and Dalit rights icon, Governor RN Ravi voiced his deep concern over rising crimes against Dalits in Tamil Nadu.
“Discrimination still exists—no doubt. But the stories from Tamil Nadu are heartbreaking,” he said.
The Governor cited disturbing incidents:
-
A Dalit man beaten for wearing slippers on a village street
-
A youth attacked for riding a motorcycle
-
A student assaulted after being praised by a teacher
-
Human excreta found in drinking water tanks
“These are not isolated incidents,” he emphasized, painting a grim picture of social injustice in a state that prides itself on social justice policies.
Citing Statistics: “Crimes Have Risen Sharply Since 2020”
Governor Ravi backed his comments with data:
-
50% rise in crimes against Dalits post-2020
-
Dalit women increasingly targeted
-
Conviction rate for such crimes in Tamil Nadu less than half the national average
-
During the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy that killed 66 people, most victims were Dalits
“These are facts—not political statements,” he insisted, clearly taking aim at the DMK government.
DMK’s Sharp Response: “Lies from a Sanatan Ambassador”
Minister Govi Chezhiaan Fires Back
DMK leader and Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhiaan dismissed the Governor’s claims as blatant lies. He pointed out that:
-
81% of caste atrocities take place in six BJP-ruled states, including:
-
Uttar Pradesh
-
Bihar—Governor Ravi’s home state
-
“If Governor Ravi truly cares about Dalits, he should look at the states ruled by his own party,” Chezhiaan said.
He also attacked the Governor’s ideological leanings, saying:
“RN Ravi is an ambassador for Sanatan Dharma, which is responsible for caste atrocities. He has no moral right to speak on this.”
“Where Was He When Amit Shah Mocked Ambedkar?”
Chezhiaan also slammed RN Ravi’s silence when Union Home Minister Amit Shah made controversial comments about Ambedkar during a Parliament session in December 2023.
“When Amit Shah said taking Ambedkar’s name had become a fashion, where was RN Ravi?” the minister questioned.
Shah had remarked:
“If they took God’s name as much as they take Ambedkar’s name, they’d go to heaven.”
The Congress called it an insult, while BJP defended it as criticism of political misuse of Ambedkar’s legacy.
Supreme Court Blow Adds Fuel to Fire
This clash comes just days after the Supreme Court ruled against Governor Ravi for withholding assent to 10 state Bills—a major win for the MK Stalin government.
The Court said:
“The Governor’s decision was illegal, arbitrary, and not in good faith.”
The verdict:
-
Struck down the Governor’s action
-
Declared the 10 Bills as passed
-
Exposed Ravi to renewed political scrutiny
Who Is RN Ravi?
From IPS Officer to Political Lightning Rod
-
Former IPS officer, served in the CBI
-
Appointed Governor of Tamil Nadu in 2021
-
Known for his frequent clashes with the DMK government
-
Accused of:
-
Delaying or blocking Bills
-
Pushing BJP’s ideological agenda
-
Interfering with state appointments
-
The DMK often labels him a “BJP spokesperson in Raj Bhavan.”
A Long-Running Cold War
The Governor-DMK feud has been ongoing for years, with flashpoints including:
-
NEET exemption Bill delays
-
University appointment stand-offs
-
Skipping key references in Assembly speeches
This latest row over Dalit issues and Ambedkar’s legacy has only deepened the divide.
Who Really Stands for Ambedkar’s Vision?
This new clash highlights two competing narratives:
-
Governor Ravi paints a picture of unfulfilled social justice under DMK rule
-
DMK accuses him of pushing saffron ideology and ignoring facts in BJP-ruled states
With Ambedkar’s name at the center and Dalit rights on the line, the political battlefield in Tamil Nadu shows no signs of cooling down.
