The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) have announced they will boycott the tea party hosted by Governor R.N. Ravi on Independence Day.

Tamil Nadu Congress president Selvaperunthagai said the decision was made for three reasons: the Governor’s actions, which they believe go against the people and rights of Tamil Nadu; opposition to the Election Commission of India over alleged voter list irregularities at the behest of the BJP-led central government; and the Governor’s delay in sending a bill to the President to set up a university in Kumbakonam named after Kalaignar.

VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan said his party would not attend, as per their usual policy, while thanking the Governor for the invitation.

Major parties including the DMK, AIADMK, and BJP are expected to attend the event.