In yet another flashpoint with DMK, governor skips customary speech, walks out of assembly

In yet another standoff with the DMK government, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi walked out of the first session of the 2024 Tamil Nadu Assembly Monday after refusing to read the customary address prepared by the government.

He claimed that the speech has many passages that he disagrees with on "factual and moral grounds." He also flayed the ruling government for not letting the national anthem play at the beginning and end of the address.

"My repeated request and advice to show due respect to the national anthem and play it at the beginning and end of the address has been ignored. This address has numerous passages with which I convincingly disagree on factual and moral grounds. I lending my voice to them would constitute a constitutional travesty. Hence, with respect to the house, I conclude my address. Wish this house a productive and healthy discussion for the good of the people," Governor RN Ravi said.

Later, DMK Minister Durai Murugan moved a resolution to not record the governor's remarks, following which it was adopted.

"Tamil Nadu government got approval for governor's customary address and he was here to read his address. He didn't read his full speech but I don't want to blame him. The governor also said the National Anthem should have been sung. Everyone has many opinions but if we speak everything it won't be ethical," Speaker M Appavu said.

"This government, CM, minister, and MLAs will treat the governor with respect who is in a high position irrespective of many different opinions. I am requesting Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi to speak what he has in his heart. While we speak about what we have in our— funds for floods and cyclones. We didn't get any funds. PM Cares Fund is unaccountable. Can we ask for Rs 50,000 crore from the PM Cares Fund? It would be nice If the governor gets it for us," the speaker added.

Speaker Appavu then took a dig at the governor, saying, “The Tamil Nadu Assembly is not less than those who walk on the path of Savarkar and Godse."