No illegality in Guv visits to districts, says Raj Bhavan

Amid the ongoing tussle between Governor Banwarilal Purohit and opposition DMK over the former's visits to districts, the Raj Bhavan today cited legal opinion to insist there was no illegality in his actions.

"The executive powers of the state are vested in him. In fact, the same powers are available to the State which are available to Governor," said a statement from Raj Bhavan citing the opinion of former Advocate General of Maharashtra Shreehari Aney.

Purohit had sought Aney's advice in November 2017 after DMK raised objection following the governor's visit to Coimbatore to meet district officials.

Aney cited constitutional provisions to say there was no illegality on Purohit's part and advised him to ignore allegations of his interference at the behest of Central Government.

"It is a bald allegation unsupported by facts and whatsoever. In this absence of any factual basis, the allegation can and should be ignored," Aney said.

Responding to a charge against the governor that there was no precedent for such visits, the legal expert had said, "As Governor of Assam he had held meetings with District administration there.

He has declared his intention to do so in the present office. If the action is not unlawful, to say there is no precedent would have no meaning."