Months ahead of the polls, Tensions flared in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday morning as Governor RN Ravi walked out in protest after the state anthem was played at the start of the first session, marking a repeat of scenes from previous openings. The Governor declared that the national anthem had been “insulted” and skipped his customary address to the House, triggering a standoff between the central appointee and the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
Shortly after leaving, the Governor’s office released a statement accusing the state government of having “repeatedly switched off” his microphone and presenting a speech that contained “numerous unsubstantiated claims and misleading statements.” The statement added, “Crucial issues troubling the people were ignored,” pointing to matters such as Rs 12 lakh crore in investments and women’s safety.
Stalin Hits Back, Accuses Governor of Disrespect
Chief Minister MK Stalin as per a report by NDTV, responded swiftly, saying the Governor’s actions had “disrespected and insulted 100-year-old traditions of the House.” He invoked DMK founder CN Annadurai, recalling his words: “Why does a goat need a beard… and why does a state need a Governor?”
Stalin further insisted that his administration had not, in any way, disrespected the Governor or his office. Instead, he claimed, it was the Governor who had failed to respect the Tamil people. Speaker M Appavu reminded the House that the Governor had been formally notified of the protocol. Despite the walkout, the Chief Minister moved a resolution to place the Governor’s prepared speech on record.
The standoff came as a reminder of the deepening friction between the Governor, appointed by the BJP-led Centre, and the DMK government. The two sides have clashed multiple times over issues ranging from law and order to legislative approvals, and have even faced each other in the Supreme Court over the consent-for-bills row.
