Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], May 4 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday emphasised the importance of state rights and constitutional democracy while addressing the grand felicitation event titled 'A Great Tribute to the Champion of State Autonomy'.

The event, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, was organised by universities, the Consortium of Self-Financing Engineering Colleges, the Consortium of Private Arts Colleges, and representatives from government and aided colleges.

Thanking the organisers and participating academicians, CM Stalin called students 'the leaders of tomorrow' and urged them to reflect on the democratic implications of a Governor blocking legislation passed by an elected government.

'If a Governor, a temporary agent of the Union Government, can override decisions made by the elected Chief Minister, what is the value of the people's vote?' he asked.

Terming the Governor's role as a 'rubber-stamp post', Stalin questioned the logic behind Governors having powers such as appointing Vice-Chancellors while state governments handle infrastructure, salaries, and facilities for educational institutions.

He lauded the recent Supreme Court verdict as historic, stating that it has brought clarity and set deadlines for gubernatorial decisions on bills passed by the state legislature. 'This is a massive win -- time limits have been imposed on both Governors and the President. The court has ruled that Governors must act in respect of parliamentary democracy and elected governments,' Stalin said.

The Chief Minister remarked that he had personally attended an event at Raj Bhavan and had cordial discussions with the Governor, emphasising that political differences should not overshadow personal civility. However, he warned that his government would continue to oppose any constitutional overreach, regardless of who holds the post of Governor.

'In fact', he added, 'if you ask me personally, I'd prefer this same Governor to continue, because the more he acts like this, the more public support we gain.'

Stalin also highlighted Tamil Nadu's achievements in higher education, pointing out that the state boasts one-fifth of India's top 100 colleges and leads in Ph.D. scholar numbers. With a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 47 per cent, far above the national average of 28.4 per cent, he said the Supreme Court's verdict provides a solid foundation for even greater progress.

He concluded by reaffirming his government's commitment to youth development under the Dravidian Model and noted the formation of a high-level committee, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, to further strengthen state autonomy. 'This report will be a model not just for Tamil Nadu but for the entire nation,' Stalin said. (ANI)