Tamil Nadu Governor skips speech, citing national anthem respect
Governor RN Ravi skipped the customary Tamil Nadu Assembly address, sparking tension with the MK Stalin government.
Chennai: Tensions flared in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday morning as Governor RN Ravi and the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) once again found themselves at odds, marking a rocky start to the first session of the year. The confrontation underscored the ongoing friction between the state government and Raj Bhavan, reflecting a dynamic that has played out repeatedly over the past several years.
The incident began shortly after the House convened at 9.30 am, when the customary protocol called for the Governor to deliver the opening address. As the Tamil Nadu state anthem was played at the start of the session, Ravi abruptly walked out, citing that the national anthem had been “insulted.” His departure came amid murmurs and raised eyebrows in the House, echoing scenes from the previous two opening sessions where similar tensions had erupted.
Ravi’s walkout was followed by an official statement from the Governor’s office, which accused the state government of “repeatedly switching off” his microphone and presenting a speech—prepared, as is customary, by the state administration—that allegedly contained “numerous unsubstantiated claims and misleading statements.” The statement also suggested that “crucial issues troubling the people were ignored,” referencing concerns such as the state’s Rs 12 lakh crore investment announcements and matters of women’s safety. The Governor’s office framed the walkout as a protest against perceived misrepresentation and protocol breaches, asserting that his actions were necessary to uphold dignity and respect.
The DMK’s response was swift and pointed. Chief Minister MK Stalin criticised the Governor’s decision, calling it a display of disrespect toward the 100-year-old traditions of the Tamil Nadu Assembly. The Chief Minister argued that his administration had acted with full respect toward the Governor and his office, insisting that it was Ravi, rather than the state government, who had failed to show respect to the Tamil people.
Despite the walkout, the legislative session continued without disruption. Speaker M Appavu noted that the Governor had been formally notified of the procedural protocol in advance, and the Chief Minister moved a resolution to place the Governor’s speech on record, even in his absence. The gesture was a nod to procedure and constitutional formalities, ensuring that the content of the address was officially recorded for posterity.
The incident, however, highlighted the persistent and often public tensions between the Governor—appointed by the BJP-led central government—and the DMK, which runs the state administration. The two sides have clashed multiple times in recent years, including confrontations over legislative consent for bills that have even reached the Supreme Court. Observers note that these conflicts are as much about politics as they are about protocol, reflecting the broader contest between the central government and Tamil Nadu’s regional leadership.
Political analysts point out that the timing of Tuesday’s walkout is significant. With Assembly elections just three months away, the standoff underscores the deep political divides in the state. Both the BJP and the DMK are keenly aware of the symbolic weight of such clashes, using them to project authority and influence public perception. The walkout is likely to be leveraged by both sides in the coming weeks as part of their broader election narratives.
The episode also raised questions about the balance between ceremonial tradition and political authority in state governance. While the Governor is constitutionally mandated to deliver the opening address, the choice of anthem and procedural matters have become flashpoints in a state where regional pride and cultural identity hold deep significance. The recurring tension over the anthem, in particular, highlights how symbolic gestures can ignite broader political disagreements.
As the day unfolded, lawmakers largely focused on continuing the business of the House, but the walkout left a lingering shadow over proceedings. While the DMK maintained its composure, observers noted that the incident reinforces the perception of an ongoing, tense tug-of-war between Tamil Nadu’s elected leadership and the Governor, a dynamic that has become increasingly visible and politically charged in recent years.
With the elections approaching, and tensions between the central and state governments simmering, the standoff between RN Ravi and MK Stalin is unlikely to be the last such incident. For now, the walkout serves as a vivid reminder of the fraught relationship between Raj Bhavan and the Tamil Nadu Assembly, a clash of protocol, politics, and principle playing out under the public gaze.