The incident occurred during the opening of the Assembly session when Governor Ravi insisted that the national anthem be played after the Tamil anthem. Speaker M. Appavu declined the request, citing established Assembly protocol. Following the refusal, the Governor exited the House without reading his address, marking the second consecutive year such an episode has unfolded.
Addressing reporters outside the Assembly, Governor Ravi said he was “deeply disappointed” and claimed that the national anthem was not accorded due respect. He also alleged that his address was interrupted inside the House.
Soon after the Governor’s exit, AIADMK legislators staged a walkout, raising slogans against the DMK government. Opposition members later held protests outside the Assembly premises, accusing the ruling party of undermining constitutional norms.
Raj Bhavan later issued a statement reiterating its allegations, claiming that the Governor’s microphone was repeatedly switched off and that the national anthem was once again disrespected during the proceedings.
Chief Minister Stalin responded sharply on the floor of the House, accusing the Governor of violating Assembly protocol and showing disregard for the institution. He said the Governor was attempting to run a “false campaign” against the elected government through public statements and actions.
Invoking former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai, Stalin questioned the necessity of the Governor’s conduct, remarking that repeated confrontations inside the Assembly were unacceptable and undermined democratic functioning. He maintained that the Assembly had followed long-standing conventions and rejected allegations of disrespect to the national anthem.
The latest episode highlights the continuing friction between the Tamil Nadu government and Governor Ravi, who have sparred repeatedly over issues ranging from Assembly procedures to the Governor’s role under the Constitution. Similar disputes in the past have led to delays in the clearing of Bills and sharp exchanges in public forums.
Political observers said the confrontation is likely to deepen tensions between Raj Bhavan and the state government, with both sides holding firm to their interpretations of protocol and constitutional authority. For now, the stand-off has once again brought the Governor–government relationship in Tamil Nadu under national focus.
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