In an unprecedented incident, Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi left the Assembly on today without delivering his customary address. The walkout occurred after a dispute over the playing of the National Anthem following the Tamil Thai Vazhthu, the state song.
Governor Ravi reportedly insisted that the National Anthem be played, which is customary during such occasions. However, when this did not happen, he left the House after being present for barely three minutes. Following his exit, Speaker M. Appavu took over and read the Governor’s speech on behalf of the Assembly.
The incident sparked reactions across the political spectrum. The opposition AIADMK staged a protest in the Assembly, raising slogans and holding placards demanding justice for a student sexually assaulted at Anna University. Congress members, on the other hand, walked out in protest against the Governor’s actions.
Meanwhile, Raj Bhavan issued a statement via Twitter, accusing the Tamil Nadu Assembly of disrespecting the Constitution and the National Anthem. The tweet stated, “Respecting the National Anthem is among the first Fundamental Duties as enshrined in our Constitution. Today, only Tamil Thai Vazhthu was sung, and the Governor’s appeal to play the National Anthem was cussedly refused. Deeply anguished, the Governor chose not to be a party to this brazen disrespect and left the House.”
The walkout has further strained relations between the Governor and the state government, which have been tense over several issues in recent months.