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The ongoing power struggle between the Tamil Nadu state government and Governor RN Ravi reached a new milestone as the Governor refused to accept Chief Minister MK Stalin’s recommendation to appoint K Ponmudy as a minister. The decision comes in the wake of Ponmudy’s reinstatement as a member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly following a Supreme Court order.
Background: Disqualification and Reinstatement
K Ponmudy, a disqualified state minister and senior DMK leader, had his conviction and three-year jail sentence in a disproportionate asset case stayed by the Supreme Court on March 13, 2024. Despite his reinstatement as an MLA by the Assembly Speaker M Appavu, the path to rejoining the state cabinet hit a roadblock with the Governor’s refusal.
Governor’s Stand
Governor RN Ravi declined CM Stalin’s recommendation, citing the pending nature of Ponmudy’s conviction. Ravi emphasized that since the Supreme Court had not struck down the conviction, he could not administer the oath of office to Ponmudy, thus rendering him ineligible for ministerial appointment.
Tussle between Government and Governor
This development marks another episode in the ongoing tension between the state government and the Governor’s office in Tamil Nadu. The disagreement underscores broader issues of constitutional authority and political dynamics within the state.
EPS’s Earlier Correspondence
Prior to this, Tamil Nadu’s Leader of Opposition, Edappadi Palaniswami, had raised concerns about Ponmudy’s disqualification and subsequent vacancy in the assembly seat. He pointed out Ponmudy’s conviction under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, emphasizing the absence of a stay order from the Supreme Court.
