For the second time, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has made headlines by walking out of the state Assembly session, sparking controversy over the playing of the National Anthem. This incident occurred during the opening day of the Tamil Nadu budget session for 2024-25, as Speaker M Appavu’s remarks on historical figures Savarkar and Godse drew the Governor’s ire.
The Governor, RN Ravi, expressed his dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the National Anthem, accusing them of disrespect. He reiterated his stance that the anthem should be played at the beginning and end of the session, a request he claims was ignored by the government.
Moreover, Governor Ravi declined to deliver the address prepared for him by the state government, citing disagreements with numerous passages on “factual and moral grounds.” He deemed reading the address a “constitutional travesty” and opted instead to deliver only the opening paragraph, which included a Thirukkural couplet.
#WATCH | At the Tamil Nadu assembly session, Governor RN Ravi says, "My repeated request & advice to show due respect to the national anthem and play it at the beginning & end of the address has been ignored. This address has numerous passages with which I convincingly disagree… pic.twitter.com/BhFLWS09Ws
— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2024
The Governor’s address, which he chose not to read, criticized the Central government’s policies, particularly regarding the GST compensation regime, Metro Rail fund allocation, and the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). Notably, Tamil Nadu was declared unwilling to implement the CAA.
In response to Governor Ravi’s actions, Speaker Appavu made pointed remarks, asserting the dignity and importance of the Tamil Nadu Legislature. He emphasized the state’s disappointment with the Central government’s inadequate response to natural disasters, such as the recent cyclone-triggered flood, and urged the Governor to take action, suggesting utilizing funds from the PM CARES Fund.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, who refused to read the address given by the government to him at the Legislative Assembly, leaves from the Assembly https://t.co/9IvBmDvMp6 pic.twitter.com/gYv8RjNmq7
— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2024
Following Speaker Appavu’s remarks, Governor Ravi staged a walkout from the Assembly session, protesting the Speaker’s statements and leaving even before the National Anthem was played.
This incident echoes a similar confrontation from the previous year’s assembly session when Governor Ravi walked out over discrepancies in the speech copy prepared by the state government, illustrating ongoing tensions between the Governor’s office and the ruling party in Tamil Nadu.
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