The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly witnessed high drama as Governor RN Ravi walked out of the House for the third consecutive year (2024, 2025, and 2026) without delivering his customary address.
The walkout has reignited a fierce constitutional and protocol debate between the Raj Bhavan (Lok Bhavan) and the MK Stalin-led DMK government, coming just months before the 2026 Assembly elections.
The Core Conflict: National Anthem vs. State Anthem
The primary trigger was the Governor’s demand for a change in the House’s opening convention:
- The Tradition: The session traditionally begins with the rendition of the state anthem, Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu, and concludes with the National Anthem.
- The Demand: Governor Ravi insisted that the National Anthem be played both at the start and the end of the session.
- The Speaker’s Stance: Speaker M. Appavu refused the request, citing established legislative procedures and traditions.
The Walkout & Allegations
As the session began at 9:30 AM, the Governor declined to read the state-prepared address and exited the chamber. He raised several sharp grievances:
- Microphone Muting: He alleged that his microphone was repeatedly switched off, preventing him from addressing the House.
- “Insult” to National Anthem: He described the refusal to play the National Anthem at the start as a disregard for “fundamental constitutional duty.”
- Misleading Speech: Raj Bhavan later issued a statement claiming the government’s speech contained “unsubstantiated claims,” specifically questioning the state’s claim of attracting ₹12 lakh crore in investments.
- Ignored Issues: The Governor criticized the omission of critical issues such as the rise in crimes against Dalits, a 55% surge in POCSO cases, and the “suicide epidemic” linked to drug abuse in the state.
The Government’s Rebuttal
Following the walkout, Chief Minister MK Stalin moved a resolution to record the government-prepared speech as “read” and “delivered” in the House records, which was adopted unanimously.
- Stalin’s Critique: He accused the Governor of conducting a “malicious campaign” against the elected government and violating the spirit of the Constitution.
- Constitutional Amendment: Stalin suggested that the DMK would work with like-minded parties to seek a constitutional amendment to do away with the practice of starting Assembly sessions with a Governor’s address.