Politics

TN Minister Ponmudy to Boycott MK University Convocation Stating Governor as RSS Mouthpiece

8 months ago
128 Views
1 Comment
ponmudy MKU

In the ongoing dispute between Governor R N Ravi and the DMK government in Tamil Nadu, Higher Education Minister K Ponmudy stated his intention to abstain from attending the upcoming convocation ceremony of Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) on November 2. The contention is on the alleged reluctance of the Governor to endorse the proposal put forth by the state government to bestow an ‘Honoris Causa’ or honorary doctorate upon N Sankaraiah, a famous freedom fighter and long-standing 102-year-old Communist leader.

Ponmudy emphasised that the university Senate decided to bestow the honorary doctorate adhering to the university’s rules pertaining to granting such distinctions. According to the Madurai Kamaraj University Act of 1965, it is mandated that the Governor, in their capacity as the Chancellor of all state universities, must place their signature to the certificate.

Contribution of Sankaraiah

Minister Ponmudy referred to university meetings held in August and September, during which the decision to bestow recognition upon Sankaraiah was finalised. The minister reiterated the notable sacrifices made by Sankaraiah for the betterment of the nation, as well as the several issues he has fervently advocated for the ordinary people.

Sankaraiah, who was born in 1922, decided to discontinue his formal education in order to participate in the Indian independence movement actively. Sankaraiah was active in student politics, and he led student protests against the British in Madurai. Later, he vigorously fought against the mighty British imperialism, colonialism and exploitation in India.

As a result of his involvement, he endured a total of nine years of imprisonment, both during the freedom war and later for fighting for the interests and rights of downtrodden people. He is one of the 32 communist leaders and a CPI(M) founding member. He is revolutionary and struggled for class and caste equality. He organised several agitations to annihilate the caste system and land distribution in Tamil Nadu.

Comrade Sankaraiah compassionately contributed the sum of ₹25 lahks, which he received as a portion of the Thagaisal Thamizhar Award conferred upon him by the State government, towards initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare of all citizens. His entire life, he struggled for social justice, economic justice and to create an egalitarian society.

Ponmudi Attack Governor as RSS

“Even in his advanced age, Sankaraiah continues to advocate for the oppressed. An honor announced for such a personality is being blocked by the Governor R.N. Ravi. While refusing to clear it, the Governor doesn’t have the courage to tell us why he is doing so. I made several requests, but he hasn’t heard any of these. I don’t know what’s wrong with his ears,” said Ponmudy, announcing his decision to boycott Thursday’s event at Madurai.

The minister linked the Governor’s decision to his alleged RSS affiliations. “If the Governor cannot respect a freedom fighter like Sankaraiah, the reason could be nothing else than his RSS past. The RSS doesn’t have any respect for freedom fighters.” he said. 

The most recent episode includes a series of confrontations between the Governor and the DMK government, involving many matters about universities. The state administration had previously accused Governor Ravi of engaging in unwarranted intervention in the operations of state-funded universities.

Before this, the state government lodged an accusation against the Governor for unilaterally issuing a notification regarding creating a search committee for the Vice-Chancellor position at the University of Madras without seeking consultation from the state government. Last year, Ponmudy boycotted the event citing the convocation ceremony date was decided without consulting him.

BJP in Dilemma 

TN BJP State President K.Annamalai told the media that Sankaraiah is a towering figure in TN Politics. His contribution to the people of Tamil Nadu is immense and outstanding. He is a renowned freedom fighter who worked for the welfare and development of the Tamil people. 

He deserves to get an honorary doctorate. He requested the Raj Bhavan to release a statement regarding this ongoing issue. Further, he said he was saddened by the rising caste violence in southern Tamil Nadu and government should take stringent action against the culprits. 

CPI(M) Launched State-Wide Agitation

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has voiced its full support of Mr. Ponmudy’s choice to boycott from attending the convocation ceremony.

In an official statement, the State Secretary of the party, K. Balakrishnan, asserted that the authority of an elected government surpasses that of any individual. Furthermore, he announced his party’s intention to organise a black flag protest against the Governor in Madurai and planned state-wide agitation.

What’s your Reaction?
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
Tags:
Shares:

1 Comment

Comments are closed