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Tamil Nadu Assembly Standoff: The political atmosphere in Tamil Nadu witnessed renewed tension when Governor RN Ravi walked out of the State Assembly following a disagreement related to the National Anthem. The incident, which unfolded during the Governor’s scheduled inaugural address, quickly escalated into a constitutional and political debate, drawing national attention. The disagreement highlighted long-standing friction between the Raj Bhavan and the elected state government, raising questions about protocol, constitutional duties, and political conduct within legislative institutions.

Background of the Assembly Incident

The controversy began when RN Ravi arrived at the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly for the customary address. As per reports, the Governor expected the National Anthem to be played after the Tamil state anthem, Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu. However, the proceedings followed the established state practice, which allegedly did not include the National Anthem at that point. This disagreement set the stage for the unfolding confrontation.

Dispute Over Assembly Protocol

According to accounts from Raj Bhavan, Governor Ravi reminded the House of what he described as a constitutional obligation to play the National Anthem. The Speaker of the Assembly, Appavu, reportedly did not accept this demand. As tensions rose, the Governor chose to walk out of the House without delivering his inaugural address. This move immediately sparked debate over whether constitutional conventions were breached or whether the Governor overstepped his ceremonial role.

Raj Bhavan’s Official Statement

Following the walkout, Raj Bhavan issued a detailed press release explaining the Governor’s actions. The statement claimed that the Governor’s microphone was repeatedly switched off, preventing him from speaking. It also alleged that serious social issues, including atrocities against Dalits and cases of sexual violence against Dalit women, were omitted from the prepared address. Furthermore, the statement emphasized that the alleged disrespect to the National Anthem amounted to a disregard of fundamental constitutional duties.

Repeated Walkouts and Historical Context

This incident was not unprecedented. Governor Ravi has walked out of the Assembly on multiple occasions without reading his opening remarks. Similar situations occurred during the 2024 and 2025 Assembly sessions, both involving disputes over the National Anthem. These repeated confrontations suggest a deeper and ongoing disagreement between the Governor’s office and the state government regarding legislative decorum and constitutional interpretation.

Allegations Against the State Government

In earlier statements, the Governor’s office accused the state leadership of deliberately ignoring repeated appeals to include the National Anthem during Assembly proceedings. Raj Bhavan maintained that such actions represented a serious concern and compelled the Governor to distance himself from what he perceived as disrespect to the Constitution. The language used in official communications reflected deep dissatisfaction and emotional distress over the issue.

Response from the Chief Minister

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin strongly rejected the Governor’s claims. He described the Governor’s behavior as immature and unnecessary, arguing that the repeated walkouts had become habitual. Stalin asserted that the Assembly follows established procedures and accused the Governor of politicizing ceremonial responsibilities. His remarks further widened the rift between the constitutional head of the state and the elected government.

Constitutional and Political Implications

The recurring standoff raises important questions about the role of a Governor in a federal structure. While the Governor is expected to act as a neutral constitutional authority, repeated public confrontations can strain the balance between state and central institutions. Legal experts and political analysts continue to debate whether such disputes should be resolved through dialogue rather than public disagreement on the Assembly floor.

Public Reaction and Broader Debate

The incident has triggered widespread discussion among citizens, legal scholars, and political commentators. Some view the Governor’s stance as a defense of constitutional values, while others see it as an avoidable escalation that disrupts legislative functioning. Social media platforms and news debates have amplified these differing perspectives, turning the episode into a broader conversation about democratic norms and institutional respect.