Tamil Nadu Governor Walks Out of Assembly Over ‘Insult’ Row; CM Stalin Hits Back

Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi walked out of the State Assembly on Tuesday, citing an alleged insult to the National Anthem, triggering a fresh political confrontation with the ruling government led by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin.

The Governor declined to read the customary address prepared by the State government on the opening day of the Assembly’s winter session, marking the third consecutive year he has not delivered the speech in full. Following his exit, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam accused the Governor of insulting the people of Tamil Nadu and undermining established constitutional conventions.

Chief Minister Stalin announced that his government would explore the possibility of seeking a constitutional amendment to abolish the practice of the Governor’s address at the start of the legislative year, arguing that repeated refusals to read the speech render the convention meaningless. A resolution was also moved to record the English version of the address as having been read.

According to the Governor’s office, the walkout was prompted by what it described as repeated disrespect to the National Anthem. While the State anthem is traditionally played at the beginning of Assembly sessions and the National Anthem at the conclusion, the Governor has maintained that the National Anthem should also be played at the start. The Governor’s office further claimed that his microphone was switched off and that he was prevented from speaking.

The statement from Raj Bhavan alleged that the address contained misleading claims and omitted critical issues, including women’s safety, narcotics-related concerns, attacks on marginalised communities, and the state of education. It also questioned official claims regarding large-scale investment inflows and alleged delays in implementing court directions related to the management of ancient temples. After the Governor’s departure, the Speaker proceeded to read the address in Tamil. The speech urged the Union government to release pending funds, citing shortfalls in allocations during natural disasters and delays in education-related schemes. It reiterated the State’s opposition to the three-language formula and any imposition of Hindi.

The latest episode adds to the long-running tensions between the Governor and the elected State government, reflecting broader debates over the role of Governors in Opposition-ruled States and the limits of constitutional convention.