Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi on Monday said that it was "erroneous and far-fetched" to conclude his comments on "Tamizhagam" suggested a name change of state.
"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.
The statement further read, "In an event at Raj Bhavan on January 4, 2023 to felicitate the volunteers of Kashi - Tamil Sangamam, a recently concluded month long festival celebrating the age old cultural connect of Tamil people with Kashi, while dwelling upon the historical cultural connect between the two, I referred to the word 'Tamizhagam'. In those days, there was no Tamil Nadu'. Hence in historical cultural context, I referred to the word 'Tamizhagam' as a 'more appropriate expression'."
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He emphasised that the conclusion was made without understanding the "basis of his speech" and hence he gave the clarification to put an end to the argument that the governor is against the phrase '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."
Following this, a huge row was sparked by the ruling DMK who accused Ravi of pushing BJP-RSS ideology in the state.
Tamil Nadu means "the nation of Tamils" while Thamizhagam means the "home of the Tamil people".
