Tension returned to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Monday when Governor R. N. Ravi walked out of the House without delivering the customary inaugural address, continuing a pattern seen for the third year in a row. The walkout, brief but dramatic, once again exposed the growing strain between Raj Bhavan and the elected State government.
The Governor arrived at the Assembly as members took their seats for the opening of the session. However, within minutes, proceedings were disrupted when he declined to read the speech prepared by the State Cabinet. Governor Ravi expressed strong objection to what he described as disrespect to the national anthem and dissatisfaction with how the session was being conducted.
At the heart of the disagreement is a long-followed Tamil Nadu Assembly tradition. Sessions begin with the State anthem, Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu, and end with the national anthem. While the government maintains that this practice reflects respect for both the State and the nation, Governor Ravi has repeatedly argued that the national anthem must be given precedence, calling it a constitutional obligation.
As the exchange unfolded, Speaker M. Appavu urged the Governor to follow established Assembly procedures and read the approved address without interruption. The Speaker reportedly reminded him that the Governor’s role during the opening session is ceremonial and bound by constitutional convention. Soon after, Governor Ravi rose from his seat and left the House, saying he felt insulted and unable to continue.
The walkout drew sharp reactions from the ruling DMK. Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and senior party leaders criticised the Governor’s action, describing it as avoidable and disruptive. They pointed out that similar incidents had occurred in the past two years, arguing that repeated confrontations were undermining the dignity of the Assembly and delaying legislative work.
Despite the Governor’s exit, the House carried on with its business. Copies of the Governor’s address were circulated among MLAs, and the session proceeded as scheduled.
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