Tamil Nadu Guv walks out of Assembly over National Anthem row, sparks protests

The Governor's absence overshadowed the proceedings and triggered protests and walkouts by lawmakers across party lines.

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi walked out of the state Assembly on Monday morning, citing a breach of protocol after the National Anthem was not played at the start of the session. This incident has further deepened the rift between the Governor and the state government.

The clash centers around the National Anthem, which the Raj Bhavan insists should be played at the beginning of the session, while the state government follows the tradition of singing the Tamil Thai Vaazhthu at the start, with the National Anthem sung at the end. The Raj Bhavan's insistence on altering this practice has been seen as an overreach by the ruling DMK government.

The drama unfolded as the Assembly convened for its first session of the year. As per tradition, the session began with the Tamil Thai Vaazhthu, the state anthem. However, the absence of the National Anthem led to objections from the Governor, who reportedly appealed to Chief Minister MK Stalin and Speaker M Appavu to ensure its inclusion. When his request was declined, Governor Ravi walked out of the Assembly, less than five minutes into the session.

In a statement released shortly after, the Raj Bhavan accused the state government of “brazen disrespect” to the Constitution and the National Anthem. “Respecting the National Anthem is among the first fundamental duties as enshrined in our Constitution. Today, on arrival of the Governor, only Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu was sung. The Governor respectfully reminded the House of its constitutional duty, but the appeal was refused. In deep anguish, the Governor left the House,” the statement read.

Following the Governor's departure, Speaker Appavu continued the session, reading the Governor’s customary address prepared by the state government, outlining the year’s agenda. However, the Governor's absence overshadowed the proceedings and triggered protests and walkouts by lawmakers across party lines.