Producer Venkat Narayana appointed as Tamil Nadu Special Representative to Delhi
The Tamil Nadu government on Friday appointed K Venkata Narayana as its Special Representative in New Delhi for a period of one year, a move
The Tamil Nadu government on Friday appointed K Venkata Narayana as its Special Representative in New Delhi for a period of one year, a move that has triggered political criticism over the choice of appointee. In a government order, the state said Narayana would hold the post on a temporary basis for one year from the date he assumes office. The order added that the terms and conditions of his appointment would be notified separately. Read Full Story Narayana is best known as the producer of Jananayagan, the upcoming film starring Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C Joseph Vijay.
The film, directed by H Vinoth, features music by Anirudh Ravichander and is being produced under the banner of KVN Productions. The appointment has drawn attention because of Narayana's close association with Vijay. He had accompanied the actor-politician during his meeting with Governor RN Ravi's successor, Governor RV Arlekar, in May when Vijay staked claim to form the government. Jananayagan has remained in the spotlight in recent months after its release was reportedly delayed pending certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The production also suffered a setback after a high-quality version of the film was allegedly leaked online before its release.
THE APPOINTMENT CRITICISED BY OPPOSITION The appointment has also sparked criticism from the opposition. DMK Rajya Sabha MP P Wilson questioned the decision to appoint a film producer to a key administrative position, arguing that it could undermine the significance of the office. Wilson said the Special Representative serves as the crucial link between the Tamil Nadu government and the Union government. According to him, the role includes coordinating with Union ministers, arranging the Chief Minister's meetings in New Delhi, conveying developments related to central policies affecting the state, and assisting Members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu with official information during Parliament sessions.
While acknowledging that the government has the authority to appoint a person of its choice, Wilson argued that the position should be filled keeping the state's administrative interests in mind. He alleged that appointing a film producer to the post could diminish the office's stature and make the state "a laughingstock" in the national capital. The Tamil Nadu government has not responded to the criticism so far. Ends
The BriefWire