Chennai: BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran on Saturday rejected electricity minister R Nirmalkumar’s remarks that the governor had no role outside Lok Bhavan, asserting that the governor was empowered to review Union govt schemes being implemented in the state.Speaking to reporters, Nagenthran said the governor had acted magnanimously by facilitating the formation of the TVK govt and delivering the customary address to the legislative assembly from the govt-prepared text, even though it contained criticism of the Centre. “The Constitution empowers the Governor to inspect govt schemes wherever he visits. This should not be given a political colour,” Nagenthran said. He criticised Nirmalkumar for questioning the governor’s authority after Arlekar raised concerns over the condition of the Vaigai river during his visit to Madurai on Thursday.Referring to the Thiruparankundram deepam row, Nagenthran said Nirmalkumar should comply with the court order. “But he says the govt will maintain the status quo and not light the deepam in Thiruparankundram. This is unacceptable,” he said.
