‘National Anthem Insulted’: Tamil Nadu Governor Leaves House Without Delivering Speech
Governor skips opening address after disputes over singing National Anthem alongside Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu
Chennai, Jan 20: Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi walked out of the state assembly on Tuesday over a controversy regarding the National Anthem, skipping his scheduled opening address, officials said.
According to Raj Bhavan sources, Governor Ravi requested that the National Anthem be played after the Tamil state anthem, but the request was allegedly denied by Speaker M. Appavu, prompting his exit.
A press release from the Lok Bhavan stated that the Governor’s microphone was repeatedly switched off, preventing him from speaking. The release added, “The National Anthem is yet again insulted, and the Fundamental Constitutional Duty is disregarded… Atrocities against Dalits and sexual violence against Dalit women are sharply increasing. However, these issues were bypassed in the speech.”
This marks the third time Governor Ravi has walked out of the assembly without delivering his inaugural remarks, with previous walkouts occurring in 2024 and 2025 over similar concerns.
Raj Bhavan officials claimed that the Governor’s departure reflected “deep anguish” over what they described as disrespect to the Constitution and the National Anthem. The statement also alleged that Chief Minister MK Stalin and the Speaker ignored the Governor’s appeals to sing the National Anthem alongside the Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu.
Reacting to the walkout, Chief Minister Stalin dismissed the allegations, calling the Governor’s behaviour “childish” and suggesting that leaving the House without delivering his address has become a habit.
The incident has reignited debate over protocol, constitutional duties, and the interplay between state and national symbols in the Tamil Nadu assembly.
