Tamil Nadu Governor Walks Out of Assembly Over National Anthem Controversy
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi walked out of the Assembly today, refusing to deliver his customary address, citing a breach of protocol regarding the National Anthem. As per tradition in Tamil Nadu, the state anthem, Tamil Thai Valthu, is sung at the beginning of the Assembly session, while the National Anthem is played at the end. However, Governor Ravi insisted that the National Anthem should be sung at both the beginning and the end of the session.
In a statement released by the Raj Bhavan, the Governor expressed his deep displeasure: “The Constitution of Bharat and the National Anthem were once again insulted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly today. Respecting the National Anthem is one of the first Fundamental Duties enshrined in our Constitution. It is sung in all state legislatures at the beginning and the end of the Governor’s address.”
The statement further elaborated, “Today, on the Governor’s arrival, only Tamil Thai Valthu was sung. The Governor respectfully reminded the House of its Constitutional duty and appealed to the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the Speaker for the National Anthem to be sung. However, they refused. Unable to be a party to such blatant disrespect, the Governor left the House in deep anguish.”
After the Governor’s abrupt exit, Assembly Speaker M Appavu delivered the customary address that the Governor was originally expected to present.
Growing Rift Between the Governor and State Government
The incident marks another flashpoint in the ongoing tension between Governor Ravi and the DMK-led state government. Relations have been strained ever since Mr. Ravi assumed office in 2021. The DMK has accused the Governor of acting as an agent of the BJP and overstepping his constitutional mandate by withholding assent for state legislation and appointments.
The tension is not new. In February last year, Governor Ravi refused to deliver the customary address, calling the draft “misleading” and “far from the truth.” The Raj Bhavan at that time had also raised the issue of respecting the National Anthem, asserting that it should be played at both the beginning and the end of the Governor’s address.
In 2022, Mr. Ravi courted controversy when he omitted key parts of his speech in the Assembly, skipping references to figures like BR Ambedkar, Periyar, and CN Annadurai, as well as the “Dravidian Model” championed by the DMK. That session ended with the Assembly adopting a resolution to record only the official speech rather than the Governor’s modified version. Mr. Ravi exited the House without waiting for the National Anthem to be played, further fueling the dispute.
Legal and Constitutional Implications
The rift between Raj Bhavan and the Tamil Nadu government has escalated to both the Supreme Court and Rashtrapati Bhavan. The DMK government has repeatedly emphasized that Governors are bound by the aid and advice of the cabinet, as upheld by the Supreme Court and Madras High Court.
The Governor, on the other hand, has maintained that the Constitution grants him the right to withhold assent to legislation, a stance that has drawn criticism from the DMK and its allies.
Political Fallout
The Governor’s walkout has sparked heated debates, with opposition parties accusing him of politicizing his constitutional role. DMK leaders have criticized Mr. Ravi’s actions as an attempt to undermine the state government and stoke unnecessary controversies.
On the other hand, BJP leaders have backed the Governor, accusing the DMK of disrespecting national symbols and traditions. Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai stated, “Respecting the National Anthem is non-negotiable. The DMK’s disregard for the Governor’s appeal reflects their contempt for national unity.”
Public Reactions
The incident has polarized public opinion in Tamil Nadu. While some view the Governor’s insistence on playing the National Anthem as a valid assertion of constitutional values, others see it as an overreach intended to undermine the state’s cultural practices and governance.
As the standoff continues, it raises broader questions about the evolving role of Governors in India’s federal structure and their relationship with state governments, particularly in opposition-led states.
