Amid 'Tamizhagam' row, TN Governor issues statement says never wanted to change the name of Tamil Nadu
At an event on January 4, Governor Ravi had said: "Whatever applies to the entire country, Tamil Nadu says no. It has become a habit. Truth must prevail. Thamizhagam is a more appropriate word. The rest of the country suffered a lot of devastation at the hands of foreigners for a long time."
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Chennai, January 18: Amid the ongoing row between the ruling DMK and Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, the latter on Wednesday clarified that he had used the word 'Tamizhagam' in a historical sense and any insinuation that he had suggested a renaming of the southern state was "errneous and far-fetched".
In an event at the Raj Bhavan on January 4, 2023... I referred to the word Tamizhagam. In those days, there was no 'Tamil Nadu'. Hence in [a] historical [and] cultural context, I referred to the word 'Tamizhagam' as a 'more appropriate expression'," the Governor said in a written statement.
"An interpretation or inference that it was a suggestion to change the name of Tamil Nadu is erroneous and far-fetched," said the Governor in a statement.
#TamilNadu Governor #RNRavi clarifies his Tamizhagam remark, after a massive row
— Sivapriyan E.T.B | சிவப்பிரியன் ஏ.தி.ப (@sivaetb) January 18, 2023
The governor says he referred to the word Tamizhagam in historical cultural context as a "more appropriate expression"
He says the clarification is to put an end to the debate. @DeccanHerald pic.twitter.com/diLFsNd1gI
He said while speaking on the historical cultural connect between the Tamil people with Kashi, he referred to the word "Tamizhagam". In those days, there was no Tamil Nadu, he said. "Hence in historical cultural context, I referred to the word Tamizhagam as a more appropriate expression," said Mr Ravi.
"Without understanding the basis of my speech, arguments that the Governor is against the word Tamil Nadu have become a topic of discussion. Hence, I am giving this clarification to put an end to it."
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At an event on January 4, Governor Ravi had said: "Whatever applies to the entire country, Tamil Nadu says no. It has become a habit. Truth must prevail. Thamizhagam is a more appropriate word. The rest of the country suffered a lot of devastation at the hands of foreigners for a long time."
The comments sparked a huge row, with the state's ruling DMK accusing Mr Ravi of pushing the BJP-RSS agenda.