With no thaw in the relationship in sight between the Raj Bhavan and the DMK government, Chief Minister MK Stalin is skipping the ‘At Home’ reception hosted by Governor RN Ravi on Republic Day and instead, is slated to participate in an event organised by the villagers in and around Arittapatti, in Madurai district to thank him for the cancellation of the Tungsten mining lease in that region.
Announcing the boycott of the February 5 byelection to the Tamil Nadu assembly from Erode (East) constituency, the principal opposition AIADMK and its ally the DMDK have said the decision to opt out of the contest was taken since the ruling DMK would not allow the people to vote freely as was the case in the past bypolls.
Castigating Governor RN Ravi for walking out of the Assembly without reading the customary 'Governor's Address' at the beginning of the first session of the year, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday charged him with habitually transgressing the tradition of the legislature.
The Home Guard personnel in the national capital issued an ultimatum to the authorities to regularise their jobs or face the boycott of the polls.
While the DMK is keeping silent on its participation, it is expected that the chief minister and a few of his cabinet colleagues would ensure their presence at the reception hosted by R N Ravi.
A final decision in this regard will be taken during the INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi.
Telangana BJP MLA T Raja Singh said that Pro-tem Speaker Owaisi made "anti-Hindu" remarks in the past.
Remember Modi ji, democracy does not run with buildings, but is run by the voice of the people, said Congress President Kharge in a tweet.
Modi pointed out how Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and members of the ruling party, as well as the Opposition, attended the Indian community event addressed by the Indian leader during his visit Down Under.
"When the soul of democracy has been sucked out from the Parliament, we find no value in a new building,” read a joint statement issued by the parties.
