BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy on Friday condemned Tamil Nadu Minister R. Nirmalkumar’s “unwarranted and politically motivated criticism” of Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in Madurai. The Governor, as a Constitutional authority, has every right to draw attention to pressing civic and environmental problems affecting the people, Mr. Thirupathy said.

According to him, the Governor rightly expressed shock at the pathetic condition of the Vaigai river and urged the youth of Madurai to take up its restoration as a patriotic mission. “Instead of welcoming this concern for the environment and public welfare, Minister Nirmalkumar has chosen to attack the Governor, claiming he has ‘no authority’ to review government schemes or highlight such issues,” he said.

“By condemning a well-meaning call to restore a vital river in his own constituency (Thiruparankundram, Madurai), Minister Nirmalkumar is prioritising political ego and turf protection over the genuine needs of Madurai residents who suffer from water scarcity, pollution, and environmental degradation,” Mr. Thirupathy said.

Such statements only deepened the divide between Lok Bhavan and the State government hurting the interest of the state and show that this administration is more interested in power struggles than in solving long-standing issues like river revival, the BJP spokesperson said. He further urged the Minister to focus on delivering results on Vaigai restoration rather than criticising those who highlight the problem.