Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, on Monday, January 6, staged a walkout from the Assembly claiming that the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) was disrespectful by not playing the national anthem at the beginning of the session. In his absence, the customary address – delivered traditionally by the Governor to set the Assembly in motion – was read out by the Speaker, M Appavu.
Traditionally, Tamil Thai Vaazhthu, the official song of the state, is played at the beginning of the state’s Assembly sessions.
The session began on Monday at 9:30 am with the song, and the Governor exited the Assembly at 9:32 am.
The Raj Bhavan, referring to the Governor’s departure, in a release said, “The national anthem is sung or played at the beginning and at the conclusion of the Governor's address in every state assembly in the country. It is also mandatory as per the National Anthem Code. Even after repeated reminders conveyed well in advance, it is unfortunate that these requests were deliberately ignored.”
“Not singing or playing the National Anthem at the beginning of the Governor’s address was a blatant disrespect to the Constitution and the National Anthem. In deep anguish, the Governor left the House,” the release added.
Chief Minister MK Stalin said that it has become the habit of the Governor to violate norms. “It was part of tradition for the Governor to deliver his customary address to the Assembly, but it has become the habit of the Governor to violate the practice. The Governor, who included and deleted some parts in the prepared text last time, has chosen not to read out the speech this time. This is childish,” he said.
The first day of the Assembly saw All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) MLAs raise slogans and posters against the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government over alleged inaction in the Anna University sexual assault case. Speaker Appavu ordered the removal of MLAs from the House.
Meanwhile, the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Tamizhaga Vaazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) raised slogans against the Governor in connection to the Anna University sexual assault as he is also the Chancellor of Anna University. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs also staged a walkout condemning the state for its handling of the sexual assault case. Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) also joined the BJP in protest, citing the denial of permissions for opposition parties to protest against the government in the said case.
The DMK has announced it will stage a demonstration on January 7 to condemn the Governor’s action. The party accused the Governor of insulting the Tamil Thai Vaazhthu and the people of Tamil Nadu.