Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi has explained the reasons for his walkout from the Legislative Assembly and listed 13 allegations against the DMK-led state government, further escalating the ongoing confrontation between Raj Bhavan and the ruling dispensation.
The Governor walked out of the Assembly during the opening of the session after the national anthem was not played at the beginning of the proceedings. He also declined to deliver the customary address prepared by the state government, marking yet another instance of disagreement over Assembly protocol and content of the Governor’s speech.
In a detailed note released subsequently, the Governor accused the government of repeatedly violating established norms and constitutional conventions. He alleged that his microphone was switched off while he was speaking in the House and claimed that the draft address contained several misleading and incorrect statements, making it inappropriate for him to read it as his own.
Among the key allegations, the Governor questioned the government’s claim of having attracted investments worth ₹12 lakh crore, stating that the figures did not reflect the ground reality. He also pointed out that crucial issues such as women’s safety, rising drug abuse, and growing incidents of sexual offences were either inadequately addressed or completely omitted in the address.
The Governor further alleged that local body elections had not been conducted in a timely manner, which he said deprived people of their democratic rights. He also expressed concern over what he described as increasing youth suicides linked to drug abuse, an issue he felt deserved serious attention in the government’s policy narrative.
Another major point of contention was the alleged disrespect shown to the national anthem. The Governor maintained that not playing the anthem before the commencement of Assembly proceedings amounted to a violation of constitutional values and national protocol.
Stating that the cumulative effect of these issues left him with no option, the Governor said he chose to walk out as the speech did not reflect the true challenges faced by the people of Tamil Nadu.
The DMK government has consistently maintained that the Assembly follows long-standing traditions, including the practice of playing Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu at the beginning of the session. The latest episode has once again brought the strained relationship between Raj Bhavan and the state government into sharp focus.