Political Tensions Rise as Tamil Nadu Governor Exits Assembly Session
Governor R.N. Ravi's Controversial Walkout
Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly's first session of the year took a dramatic turn when Governor R.N. Ravi abruptly left the proceedings shortly after they began on Tuesday. This incident has reignited a political debate and highlighted ongoing protocol disagreements that first emerged during last year's inaugural session.
The Assembly convened at 9:30 a.m., adhering to the tradition of the Governor addressing the House at the start of the year. With elections looming in three months, the significance of the session was heightened. However, the atmosphere shifted when the Governor exited following a Tamil invocation instead of the National Anthem.
This marks the second consecutive year that Governor Ravi has walked out over this same issue. In 2025, he similarly departed, insisting that the National Anthem should precede any other invocation.
After a brief Tamil greeting, the Governor left without delivering his expected address.
Speaker M. Appavu later clarified that the matter had been previously addressed, recalling that the Governor had communicated with him last year regarding the National Anthem, to which a formal response was provided.
Former Speaker Durai Murugan had elaborated on the Assembly's traditions, and Appavu confirmed that the issue was resolved, allowing the House to proceed with its legislative duties.
In response, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin proposed a resolution to officially record the Governor's address as delivered, despite his exit. This resolution was unanimously accepted, allowing the Assembly to continue its scheduled agenda.
During the session, Speaker Appavu emphasized the government's welfare programs and economic achievements, noting that Tamil Nadu has experienced remarkable economic growth under the current administration. He highlighted the Pongal festival assistance scheme, which provided Rs 3,000 cash gift packages to 2.23 crore families statewide.
The Governor arrived at the Assembly shortly before the session began and was welcomed by the Speaker, with the Chief Minister also present. Despite expectations for the Governor's address, his walkout further illustrated the ongoing tensions between Raj Bhavan and the state government, setting a politically charged atmosphere ahead of the upcoming elections.