Tamil Nadu educationists demand Governor RN Ravi's removal over 'Jai Shri Ram' row

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Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has come under sharp criticism from educationists after asking students of a government-aided college in Madurai to chant “Jai Shri Ram” thrice during a public function. 

The State Platform for Common School System–Tamil Nadu (SPCSS-TN), an association of educationists, has written to President Droupadi Murmu, urging her to remove Ravi from office for allegedly violating Article 159 of the Constitution of India, which relates to the oath taken by governors.

The Governor was invited to the engineering college on April 12 as the chief guest to distribute prizes in a literary contest. 

According to the SPCSS-TN, while addressing the students, he called upon them to repeat the name of a deity from a particular religion—an act they allege goes against the secular principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution. 

The students, taken aback, complied with the Governor’s request as they had been instructed to remain respectful, but SPCSS-TN said this act amounted to an abuse of power and a breach of constitutional duty.