Tamil Nadu vs Governor: Why This Supreme Court Verdict Matters

Enough is Enough

Let’s not sugarcoat it. The Governor’s post in India today is nothing but a colonial leftover, a useless chair meant to keep states in check, not to serve the people. Back in British days, they had Governors to control provinces. After Independence, instead of throwing away this colonial toy, we polished it, dressed it in silk, and pretended it was “constitutional.” But reality is clear—Governors have been nothing but political agents of Delhi, standing in the way of people’s mandate.

Tamil Nadu knows this pain better than anyone else. For decades, we have fought Governors who act less like constitutional heads and more like BJP’s WhatsApp admins.

Now, with the Supreme Court’s April 2025 landmark judgment—saying Governors cannot block state bills forever—it feels like a slap in the face of this undemocratic misuse. But is this enough? Or will Delhi find another trick? Let’s go deep into the history, the struggles, and why this fight is not just about Tamil Nadu, but about India’s federalism itself.

The Root Problem: Governor = Delhi’s Watchdog

C.N. Annadurai once mocked the Governor as a “goat’s beard”—something that exists, but has no use. He was right. Constitution makers themselves were divided. Ambedkar defended the post, but with a warning—it should be mostly ceremonial, not an interfering machine.

But what has happened in practice?

• Governors sit on state bills for months, sometimes years.

• They use “reservation for President” as an excuse to delay.

• They play politics, openly siding with the ruling party at the Centre.

  
  

This is not “cooperative federalism.” This is Colonial Raj 2.0.

Tamil Nadu vs Governor: A Long History of Conflict

1. Anna’s Era (1967–69)

When Anna became CM, the Governor (appointed by Delhi) kept acting like the Centre’s supervisor. Anna openly mocked the post, saying it was good for nothing, only kept because of Delhi’s obsession with control.

2. MGR & Jayalalithaa Periods

Even MGR and Jaya had their fights. Remember when Governors recommended President’s Rule? Many times, Governors became the executioners of Delhi’s conspiracy to topple elected state governments.

3. DMK vs Governor Ravi (2021–2025)

The latest circus has been with Governor R.N. Ravi. This man sat on bills like a stone. NEET exemption bill? Blocked. Online gambling ban? Blocked. Bills on university appointments? Blocked. He would even walk out of the Assembly when CM Stalin was speaking.

This wasn’t governance. This was deliberate insult to Tamil Nadu’s democracy.

The Supreme Court Verdict (April 2025)

Finally, after years of petitions and frustration, the Supreme Court ruled:

• Governors cannot act like pocket veto machines.

• They must return bills with reasons, within a reasonable time.

• They cannot sit on bills indefinitely.

  
  

This verdict came because of Tamil Nadu’s case. Our Assembly passed multiple bills that Ravi buried in his drawer. The DMK government dragged him to court, and now the highest court has exposed the misuse.

This judgment doesn’t solve everything, but it cuts the Governor’s claws.

Other States: We Are Not Alone

This fight is not just Tamil Nadu’s headache. Look around India:

• Kerala: Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has been blocking bills and acting like BJP’s agent.

• Telangana: Before 2024 elections, Governor refused to clear bills, creating chaos.

• Punjab: Governor refused to approve a budget session. Can you imagine—blocking even the budget!

• West Bengal: Mamata vs Governor has been daily entertainment.

  
  

Clearly, BJP uses Governors as its Plan B. If they can’t win in states, they will rule through Raj Bhavan.

Why This Matters: Federalism Under Attack

India calls itself a “Union of States.” But what kind of union is this if states cannot even pass their own laws? When Governors kill bills, they are not insulting one CM or one party—they are insulting the people’s vote.

Tamil Nadu voted against BJP. So what? BJP plants a Governor to block our laws. This is nothing but backdoor dictatorship.

My Frustration: Let’s Call It What It Is

Honestly, I am tired of the polite language. Governors are not “constitutional heads.” They are political pimps for Delhi.

Every time a Governor blocks a bill, he is saying:

“Your vote doesn’t matter. Only Delhi matters.”

This is not democracy. This is humiliation.

What Should Be Done?

Enough band-aids. We need surgery.

1. Abolish the Governor’s post. It’s useless, colonial, waste of money.

2. If Centre wants a representative, let it be a ceremonial officer with no powers.

3. States should have the right to choose or recall their Governor. Why should Delhi appoint someone we don’t want?

4. Supreme Court should fix clear timelines—15 days max for a Governor to act on a bill.

   
   

Why People Should Care

Some may say, “Oh, this is just politics between DMK and BJP.” No. This is about your vote. Tomorrow, if you elect a government in your state, but the Governor blocks everything, then what’s the point of voting?

This is bigger than DMK vs BJP, or TN vs Delhi. This is about democracy vs manipulation.

Conclusion: Federalism or Fascism?

The April 2025 verdict is a big win. But it is not the end. Tamil Nadu has shown the way by fighting this legally and politically. Other states must join.

Because today it is Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Bengal. Tomorrow it could be your state.

The question is simple:Do we want a Union of States or a Unitary Dictatorship?

History will judge us by how we answer.