Tensions between the Tamil Nadu government and Governor RN Ravi have escalated following a controversy over the Tamil anthem, which Chief Minister K. Stalin claims was improperly sung at a recent event. The anthem, "Tamil Thaai Vazhthu," is traditionally sung at government functions, and the omission of the word 'Dravida'—signifying the racial identity of southern peoples—has sparked accusations of disrespect and cultural insensitivity.

Stalin has called for the Centre to recall Governor Ravi, accusing him of insulting national unity. He also criticized the recent celebration of Hindi month in Tamil Nadu, viewing it as an attempt to diminish regional languages. "Celebrating Hindi in a non-Hindi-speaking state belittles other languages," Stalin stated.

The Doordarshan team, which was responsible for the anthem performance, has attributed the omission to a distraction among the singers and has publicly apologized for the oversight. However, the incident has intensified existing tensions, with Stalin asserting that skipping 'Dravida' violates state law.

In response, Governor Ravi claimed Stalin's comments were "racist" and that he had shown respect for the Tamil anthem at every official event. He emphasized the Union government's commitment to promoting Tamil culture, countering Stalin’s narrative. Ravi's remarks reflect a broader concern about the perceived imposition of Hindi in Tamil Nadu, a sensitive issue that has historically led to protests and political strife.

Actor Kamal Haasan, head of the Makkal Needhi Maiam party, weighed in on the controversy without directly naming the governor, stating that leaving out "Dravida" from the anthem is an insult to Tamil Nadu and its culture.

As the situation unfolds, both leaders are poised for continued exchanges, with the implications of language and identity in Tamil Nadu politics taking center stage once more.