Chennai: Tensions between the M K Stalin-led DMK government in Tamil Nadu and governor R N Ravi continued on Tuesday, with the latter walking out of the Assembly without delivering his address.
He accused the House of insulting the national anthem and undermining constitutional propriety. The dramatic exit came shortly after the Assembly session began. Ravi also claimed that his microphone was shut off repeatedly.
The walkout occurred within minutes of commencement of the proceedings, as the governor expressed strong displeasure over protocol related to the playing of the national anthem. According to reports, governor Ravi claimed that the national anthem was not accorded due respect during the exchange with speaker M. Appavu, prompting him to abruptly stage a walkout from the House. He also brought up the issue of the microphone being shut off.
“This is deeply disappointing and reflects a disregard for the national ethos,” the governor said as he left the house, insisting that the Constitution and the national anthem must be honoured with utmost dignity.
The speaker, however, said that only elected members of the legislative assembly could speak on the House floor, and reminded the governor of established conventions. According to Assembly norms, the state anthem Tamil Thai Vaazhthu is traditionally played at the start of the session and the national anthem at the conclusion of business — a practice followed by the current government.
Tuesday’s walkout marks the third such instance in recent years in which governor Ravi has left the assembly without delivering the address.
Stalin strongly criticised the governor’s actions, calling the walkout “unnecessary” and “disrespectful” to the democratically elected legislature. Congress leaders also condemned the governor’s action as political theatre rather than a genuine constitutional concern, while the AIADMK staged a walkout over alleged deteriorating law-and-order in the state.
