Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday accused the BJP-led Union government of deliberately obstructing the state’s development, claiming that Governor RN Ravi was appointed to “permanently stop” Tamil Nadu’s growth. Stalin made the remarks during the inauguration of government projects in Erode district, responding to the governor’s recent TV interview defending his record and criticizing the DMK government.

Stalin dismissed the governor’s claims that Tamil Nadu’s law and order is deteriorating or that the state harbors terrorists. He called Ravi’s statements “arrogant and laughable”, accusing him of portraying Tamilians as anti-nationals for not supporting the BJP. He also rebutted criticism of students studying in English, saying Tamil Nadu’s long history of protecting regional languages gives the state expertise in language policy.

The chief minister also criticized AIADMK leader Edappadi Palaniswami for failing to raise Tamil Nadu issues with the Union government despite BJP ties. He reiterated opposition to the governor withholding or forwarding bills to the President, including legislation to establish a university in honor of former CM M Karunanidhi.

Stalin accused the BJP of revenge politics, claiming the Union government is penalizing Tamil Nadu for voting against it, and vowed that MPs will continue to press these issues in Parliament if the President does not approve the bills.

This latest flare-up adds to the prolonged tensions between the DMK-led government and Governor Ravi, who has withheld assent to several state bills for years, prompting legal battles and a Supreme Court judgment in April 2025 declaring his actions “erroneous and unconstitutional.”