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Tamil Nadu Governor hosts Pongal event; ruling DMK gives it a miss as a sign of protest

This action comes just days after the controversy over the Governor's customary address at the state Assembly.

Published Jan 12, 2023 | 10:31 PM ⚊UpdatedJan 12, 2023 | 10:31 PM

The Pongal event was hosted at the Raj Bhavan garden. (Wikimedia Commons)

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi on Thursday, 12 January, hosted a Pongal event in Chennai, attended by top leaders of the Opposition AIADMK, among others.

Members of the ruling DMK and its allies made their protest against the Governor’s event loud and clear with their absence.

This action comes just days after the controversy over the Governor’s customary address at the state Assembly.

During the Assembly, the Governor deviated from the speech — by omitting certain lines — approved by the DMK.

Subsequently, Chief Minister MK Stalin moved a resolution, even as Ravi walked out of the House.

The event

AIADMK interim chief and Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami, his rival O Panneerselvam, leaders from both factions, and many others attended the event held at the sprawling Raj Bhavan garden.

A colourful cultural programme highlighting Tamil Nadu’s folk arts was presented to the guests.

Ravi was clad in the traditional Tamil attire — the veshti — and was accompanied by his wife. He personally greeted the invitees.

The Pongal event also saw its share of controversy over the absence of the state government emblem in the Raj Bhavan invitation for the gala, which was criticised by many, including political parties.