Asserting that interpreting his statement as a suggestion to change the name of the state is erroneous and far-fetched, a statement released by Raj Bhavan said, "Without understanding the basis of my speech, arguments that the Governor is against the word 'Tamil Nadu' have become a topic of discussion. Hence, I am giving this clarification to put an end to it." 

 A political controversy was triggered after the governor said Tamizhagam was a more appropriate name for the state than Tamil Nadu. This remark also brought him into the line of fire of several political parties. 

 The governor was criticised for using a name other than the one approved by the Constitution. Both words find mentioned in Tamil literature, but Tamil Nadu is being accepted and Tamizhagam is opposed. -- ANI