Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi on Tuesday refrained from delivering the traditional opening address to the state Assembly, marking a fresh confrontation with the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leadership led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
In a move that highlights deepening tensions between Raj Bhavan and the state government, Governor Ravi chose not to read the customary speech at the start of the legislative session. Instead, he called for the national anthem to be played alongside the Tamil state anthem at the very beginning of the Assembly proceedings.
The customary address — traditionally read by the Governor — outlines the government’s achievements and sets the agenda for the new session. However, in recent years, such addresses have increasingly become flashpoints between the Centre-appointed Governor and the DMK administration.
Raj Bhavan has repeatedly insisted on strict adherence to national protocol, especially with regard to respect for the national anthem, which it claims is paramount. The Governor’s refusal to read the address this Tuesday is another expression of that stance.
The DMK government and Assembly Speaker have maintained that the established convention in Tamil Nadu is to begin sessions with the state song “Thamizh Thaai Vaazhthu” followed by the national anthem at the close of proceedings — a practice that has been followed for years.
Political observers say this incident is part of a continuing power struggle between Raj Bhavan and the state government over constitutional conventions and procedural norms, reflecting broader tensions in state–Centre relations.