Tamil Nadu Governor walks out of Assembly over ‘insult’; Stalin vows action

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi on Tuesday walked out of the state Assembly after declining to read the customary address prepared by the state government for the third consecutive year, citing an “insult” to the national anthem. The move triggered a fresh confrontation with the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on the opening day of the winter session.

Chief Minister MK Stalin hit back by announcing efforts to seek a Constitutional amendment to do away with the practice of the governor’s address at the start of the year. Accusing Ravi of insulting the people of Tamil Nadu, Stalin also moved a resolution to record the English version of the governor’s address as having been read.

Ravi and the DMK government have been locked in a prolonged standoff since his appointment in May 2021. While he delivered the address in 2022, he omitted portions and added remarks in 2023, and refused to read it altogether in 2024 and 2025.

The DMK has accused the BJP-led Union government of using governors to interfere in the functioning of opposition-ruled states, including Tamil Nadu, which heads to polls this year.

Explaining Ravi’s walkout, the Raj Bhavan listed 12 reasons, alleging that the national anthem was “yet again insulted” and a “fundamental constitutional duty” disregarded. The governor has insisted since 2025 that the national anthem be played at the beginning of Assembly sessions, whereas tradition in Tamil Nadu is to play the state anthem, Tamil Thai Vazthu, at the start and the national anthem at the end.

The governor’s office also claimed Ravi’s microphone was repeatedly switched off and that he was prevented from speaking. It said the address he refused to read contained “unsubstantiated” and “misleading” claims, including on investments, women’s safety, narcotics, attacks on Dalits, education standards, and temple administration.

After Ravi’s exit, Speaker M Appavu read the address in Tamil. The speech accused the Union government of denying funds and approvals for key projects, cited inadequate disaster relief during cyclones Michaung and Fengal, flagged the non-release of ₹3,548 crore under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, and reiterated Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the three-language formula and any “imposition” of Hindi.

Stalin said repeated refusal by governors to read the government’s policy address raises questions about the continuation of the practice itself, adding that such confrontations are occurring in several states.