Criticizing the proposal to rename the state's Raj Raj Bhavan — the Governor’s official residence — as "Lok Bhavan," Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin on Sunday said the was not about names but about respect for democratic institutions, calling the move "unnecessary".
Reacting to media reports that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has approved a proposal to change the names of Raj Bhavans and Raj Niwas across the country as Lok Bhavan and Lok Niwas respectively, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Sunday (November 30, 2025) said a change in mindset was needed more than the change in names.
In a social media post, he called the State Legislative Assembly a forum of the people and said: “Isn’t it an eyewash that those who didn't respect the forum of people, have changed the name to Lok Bhavan?”
"Changing the name is less important than changing the mindset! Legislative Assembly = People's Assembly! For those who do not respect the Legislative Assembly, is changing the name to Lok Bhawan" just a superficial gesture? Is it to throw sand in the eyes of the principles of democracy?" he questioned in a post written in Tamil on X.
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Saturday implemented the Centre’s directive to rename the Raj Bhavan in Kolkata, along with the Flagstaff House and the Darjeeling residence, as Lok Bhavan. In the notification, he referenced earlier efforts to position the Governor’s establishment as more accessible to the public, noting past gestures symbolising a shift toward a people-centric approach.
The order, issued in response to a communication from the Union Home Ministry, took immediate effect. The Governor’s office said all official materials — including stationery, nameplates and the website — will now reflect the new title.
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