Governors' role key to nation's quasi-federal structure, BJP hits back

CHENNAI: BJP state secretary A Ashvathaman on Friday issued a rebuttal to Chief Minister MK Stalin's remarks on federalism and the powers of Governors, asserting that the DMK's stand was "politically motivated" and "constitutionally flawed."

In a statement, he said the Chief Minister was "misrepresenting constitutional principles" while claiming to defend state rights. "Before speaking of federalism, please understand a basic constitutional truth: India is not a federal system; it is quasi-federal. In such a structure, the Governor's authority is a crucial constitutional safeguard," he said.

Pointing to the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction, he noted that a full Bench opinion carries "strong persuasive weight." "But even when the Supreme Court's Article 143 opinion goes against your stand, you still pretend nothing is your fault," he said, alleging that the DMK government's "persistent attempts to sideline the Governor in appointing Vice-Chancellors" were driven by "political interests, not the welfare of Tamil Nadu."