Chennai, June 29:
The Communist Party of India (CPI) on Sunday urged Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to reconsider the appointment of Venkat K Narayana as the Tamil Nadu government’s Special Representative in New Delhi, stating that the decision has triggered widespread debate and criticism.
In a statement, the CPI said that the people of Tamil Nadu would find it difficult to accept a representative who lacks a deep understanding of the State’s political, economic and social landscape, as well as its art, literature and cultural ethos.
The party also pointed to discussions in political circles suggesting that Narayana, who is said to wield influence in Karnataka and operates his business from Bengaluru, may not be the right choice for the role.
At the same time, the CPI adopted a cautious tone, acknowledging that the decision falls within the prerogative of the ruling TVK government. “We have no right to interfere in the government’s decision. However, it would have been better if a person born in Tamil Nadu had been appointed as the State’s representative,” the party said.
Urging a review of the appointment, the CPI called on the Chief Minister to consider nominating a more suitable candidate for the post in order to better represent the State’s interests at the national level.