Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi Walks Out of Assembly Without Delivering Customary Address

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi walked out of the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday morning without delivering the customary address on the opening day of the first session of the year, minutes after Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu, the State anthem, was rendered.

The House had convened at 9.30 am, and as per established practice, the Governor was expected to address the Assembly. After offering a brief greeting in Tamil, Mr. Ravi left the House, citing objections related to the proceedings. This is the second consecutive year that he has walked out on the opening day.

Following his exit, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin moved a resolution to place on record only the text of the Governor’s address approved by the State government. The resolution was adopted by the House, after which Speaker M. Appavu read out the Tamil version of the address.

Responding to the Governor’s actions, Mr. Stalin said the walkout went against long-standing Assembly traditions and amounted to a clear insult to the House. He asserted that the Tamil Nadu government had followed protocol in full and had shown due respect to the constitutional office of the Governor. The Chief Minister said it was the Governor who failed to respect the sentiments of the Tamil people and the dignity of the Assembly.

Shortly after the walkout, Raj Bhavan issued a statement alleging that the Governor’s microphone was switched off and claiming that the prepared address contained inaccuracies and unsubstantiated claims. It also alleged that the National Anthem was insulted and that key public issues were ignored in the address.

The State government rejected these claims, maintaining that the Governor had been formally informed in advance about the protocol to be followed on the opening day, including the rendering of Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu. The government reiterated that the address placed before the House reflected its policies and priorities, as mandated by constitutional practice, and that there was no deviation from established norms.

Despite the disruption caused by the Governor’s walkout, Assembly proceedings continued, with the House completing the scheduled business for the day.