In a display of dissent, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi walked out of the state Legislative Assembly on Monday, protesting the attendees not singing the national anthem, which he described as disrespecting the Constitution.
His dissent has reignited debates about ceremonial practices and the political dynamics between the state’s DMK-led government and the Governor’s office.
What happened in the Tamil Nadu Assembly?
The incident unfolded during the inaugural session of the Tamil Nadu Assembly’s winter session.
Traditionally, the session starts with the singing of ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu,’ the state anthem, followed by the Governor’s address, concluding with the National Anthem. However, Governor Ravi insisted on the National Anthem being played at the beginning and the end of the session, a protocol he argued is followed in all state legislatures.
According to statements from Raj Bhavan, only the state anthem was sung upon the Governor’s arrival, leading to his immediate objection. He reportedly reminded the House of its constitutional duty to respect the National Anthem and made a fervent appeal to Chief Minister MK Stalin and Speaker M. Appavu to adhere to the correct protocol. His appeals were allegedly refused, prompting his exit from the Assembly.
‘The Constitution of Bharat and the National Anthem were once again insulted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly today,’ Raj Bhavan said, adding that respecting the National Anthem is among the first fundamental duties enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
CM Stalin reacts
The walkout sparked an immediate reaction.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin criticized the Governor’s actions as childish and unbecoming of his office, highlighting that the Governor has a history of altering or omitting parts of the government-prepared addresses, thus disrespecting the Assembly’s traditions.
Opposition walkout of the session’s proceedings
The Assembly session, which continued without the Governor, saw a resolution passed by the House to only record the printed version of the Governor’s address that was prepared by the state government.
Opposition parties, including AIADMK, Congress, BJP, and PMK, staged walkouts or protests over various issues, further complicating the session’s proceedings.
TN Governor vs the State Government
This isn’t the first instance where Governor Ravi and the DMK government have clashed over ceremonial issues.
Previously, in February 2024, the Governor had walked out over similar disagreements regarding the National Anthem and the content of his address.
