DMK working president and Opposition leader M.K. Stalin on Friday alleged that the protocol was not followed when dignitaries met the newly appointed Governor of Tamil Nadu, Banwarilal Purohit, after the latter’s swearing-in ceremony.
Speaking to mediapersons here, he said, “When I went to greet him, an official said that I should wait until the judges of the Madras High Court had their turn. I explained to the official that as per protocol, even Cabinet members could greet the Governor only after the judges did. I told him that the protocol had been violated. They allowed me as they were left with no other option. I [then] greeted him.”
When asked about the DMK’s expectations of the Governor, Mr. Stalin noted that the Governor had himself said that he would discharge his duties without political interference and uphold the Constitution.
“We expect the same from him. I hope he will not repeat the mistakes of acting Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao,” he said.
To a query whether he would bring the alleged irregularities in the purchase of walkie-talkies for the police department to the Governor’s notice, he said that he would wait for the reaction to his statement on the issue.
“If necessary, we will meet him and make a representation [in this regard],” the DMK leader said.
He declined to comment on the organ donation to V.K. Sasikala’s husband M. Natarajan, citing the wishes of the donor’s family.