The 'symbolic' head of the state should be the role model to uphold the constitution. Beauty of democracy lies in extending mutual respect to...

Reflecting on the constitutional role of state executives, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin emphasized that the Governor, as the symbolic constitutional head of a state, should function as an exemplary role model in upholding constitutional morality, institutional restraint, and democratic propriety. Concluding a statement regarding executive overreach in West Bengal, Stalin observed that the true essence and beauty of a constitutional democracy reside in extending reciprocal dignity and mutual respect.

The Chief Minister noted that the Constitution carefully delineates the powers of elected state governments and gubernatorial offices to ensure harmonious democratic governance. When constitutional functionaries act contrary to established parliamentary conventions or seek to undermine elected Chief Ministers, they weaken public trust in democratic institutions. Stalin pointed out that constitutional offices were never designed to operate as parallel centers of political authority, but to preserve harmonious checks and balances within the federal framework.

Stalin reiterated that state autonomy and cooperative federalism can only flourish when constitutional heads act with strict neutrality and respect the democratic mandate of the people. He called upon all constitutional authorities across the country to adhere scrupulously to constitutional ethics, preserving the dignity of democratic governance and federal harmony.