Opposition space
As India undergoes another monumental electoral exercise, the spotlight intensifies on the condition of its democratic institutions, particularly the role and effectiveness of the opposition.
The ongoing tussle between the ruling DMK and Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi over a host of issues snowballed into a major confrontation with the DMK mobilising the Opposition against the state governor.
The DMK has dashed off a letter to all the Opposition parties urging them to sign a petition addressed to President Draupadi Murmu calling for immediate removal of RN Ravi from the post of governor.
After receiving DMK parliamentary party leader T R Baalu’s letter, the Congress has agreed to sign the memorandum for the removal of Tamil Nadu Governor.
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In may be recalled here that CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury, at a recent press conference in New Delhi had called on the Opposition parties to come together for a joint protest against the acts of governors which are mostly “undemocratic and anti-Constitutional”.
The CPI-M and the LDF government in Kerala are engaged in a bitter feud with the state Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on issues of the posting of vice-chancellors. With the governor seeking removal of K N Balagopal as Kerala Finance Minister has further infuriated the CPI-M leadership.
The CPI, another ally of the DMK, has gone a step further calling for abolishing the post of governors in India. The CPI National general secretary, D Raja has said that the post of governor must be abolished.
Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi is in a running fight with the DMK government of the state in contentious issues including the NEET for Medical Entrance exams.
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