Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin voiced strong criticism against Governor RN Ravi on Friday after a significant line from the state anthem, "Tamil Thai Vazhthu," was omitted during a Hindi Month Valedictory event at the Doordarshan Chennai office. Stalin called this omission an insult to both Tamil Nadu and the Tamil language, demanding the Governor’s immediate removal.

The contentious line, "Thekkanamum Adhirsirandha Dravida Nal Thirunaadum," which highlights the importance of the Dravidian land, was left out during the rendition of the anthem at the event attended by Governor Ravi. In response, Stalin questioned whether the Governor would dare remove words from the national anthem and condemned this incident as a deliberate insult to Tamil Nadu. He also urged the central government to recall RN Ravi, accusing him of harboring a "Dravidian allergy."

In response, the Governor’s office clarified that RN Ravi had no role in the omission, stating that the troupe reciting the song inadvertently skipped the line. The Governor’s media advisor, Thirugnana Sambandam, posted on X (formerly Twitter), explaining that the mistake was immediately acknowledged and steps were taken to rectify the error. He emphasized that Governor Ravi holds the Tamil language and the state’s sentiments in high regard.

Governor Ravi, in a statement, expressed his disappointment with Stalin’s remarks, calling them a “racist attack” and stressing that he regularly recites the "Tamil Thai Vazhthu" with respect and precision at public functions. He further pointed out that both Prime Minister Modi and the central government have made significant efforts to promote the Tamil language and culture, not only within India but on global platforms as well. The Governor also mentioned initiatives he had taken to support the spread of Tamil, such as the introduction of a Tamil diploma course at Gauhati University in Assam.

Meanwhile, actor-politician Kamal Haasan also condemned the omission of the word "Dravidian" from the state song, calling it an affront to Tamil Nadu and its people. He warned that Tamil would "spit fire" in response to such acts of disrespect.

Doordarshan, which hosted the event, issued an apology, calling the omission an "inadvertent mistake." They stressed that there was no intent to disrespect the Tamil language or the state anthem, and the oversight was purely accidental.

Earlier, Stalin had also criticized the celebration of Hindi Month in non-Hindi speaking states, suggesting that such events belittle regional languages. He called for a more inclusive approach, where regional languages like Tamil are celebrated alongside Hindi in such events.

The incident has fueled a fresh wave of political controversy in Tamil Nadu, with calls for the Governor’s removal growing louder amid allegations of disrespect towards the state's identity and culture.