Governor Walks Out, Accuses Stalin of Disrespecting National Anthem in High-Voltage Drama in Tamil Nadu Assembly

Chennai: With assembly elections approaching in Tamil Nadu this year, the political atmosphere in the state has intensified. A dramatic confrontation unfolded in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday, as Governor R.N. Ravi walked out without delivering his address, sparking a political firestorm between the Governor and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

The incident occurred at the opening session of the Assembly when Governor Ravi arrived to deliver his inaugural speech. Expressing disappointment over what he perceived as a lack of respect for the national anthem, the Governor claimed that his microphone was repeatedly switched off during proceedings. “I am disheartened that the national anthem was not accorded due respect,” he said, adding that it was unfortunate that his speech was obstructed.

In response, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin accused Governor Ravi of insulting the Assembly. “Leaving the Assembly without delivering a formal address is an affront to the House and goes against Assembly protocol,” said Stalin, emphasizing that the move disrespects the 100-year-old institution. Stalin also recalled the words of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai, highlighting the symbolic importance of respecting state institutions.

Opposition Walkout

Meanwhile, the opposition AIADMK staged a walkout, citing deteriorating law and order in the state and protesting against the DMK-led government. Stalin reiterated that the Governor’s actions hurt the sentiments of millions of Tamils and stressed that both former Chief Ministers Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi had never shown disrespect to the Governor’s office during their tenures.

Stalin further stated that the Governor should respect the people of Tamil Nadu and the government formed by the elected majority, rather than engaging in what he called “malicious campaigns” against the state government, including in the Assembly.

Assembly Records the Dispute

Following the walkout, Stalin tabled a motion in the Assembly asserting that the House does not accept the Governor leaving without reading the traditional speech prepared by the state government. The Assembly has decided to officially record the Governor’s speech, uploaded in the legislators’ system, as part of the proceedings.

A Continuing Controversy

This marks the third time in three years that Governor Ravi has walked out of the Assembly without delivering his speech. In 2024 and 2025, he similarly refused to address the House. Last year, he walked out after the national anthem was not played at the start of his address.

The Raj Bhavan later issued a clarification, stating that the Governor’s microphone was repeatedly turned off, preventing him from speaking. The statement also noted concerns over the rising atrocities against Dalits and sexual violence against Dalit women, which he claimed were overlooked in the Assembly proceedings.

Election Season Tensions

With elections approaching, the current session of the Assembly is being viewed as politically significant. Opposition parties, including AIADMK and BJP, are expected to raise multiple allegations against the ruling DMK government, while Chief Minister Stalin and his ministers prepare to counter these attacks, creating a highly charged political environment in the state legislature.