Tamil Nadu, Governor Clash Again; CM Stalin Moves Resolution Against RN Ravi After His Walk Out

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly witnessed high drama on Tuesday as the year's first session began with a familiar and deepening rift between the state executive and the Raj Bhavan. In an unprecedented move, Governor R.N. Ravi staged a walkout without delivering his customary address, prompting Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to move a resolution against him for allegedly disrespecting the House.

The Walkout and the "National Anthem" Dispute
The confrontation began almost immediately after Governor Ravi arrived. The Governor reportedly demanded that the National Anthem be played both at the beginning and the end of the session. When Speaker M. Appavu adhered to the traditional protocol of starting with the Tamil Thai Vazhuttu (the state anthem) and concluding with the National Anthem, the Governor refused to read his speech and exited the chamber.

This marks the third consecutive year (2024, 2025, and now 2026) that Governor Ravi has bypassed the customary address prepared by the state government.

Stalin's Rebuttal: A "Beard on a Goat"
In a scathing response following the Governor's departure, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin moved a resolution to record the government-prepared speech as "delivered," despite the Governor's silence. Stalin accused Ravi of acting against constitutional protocols and conducting a "malicious campaign" against the elected government.

Invoking the legacy of DMK founders, Stalin quoted C.N. Annadurai's famous skeptical remark: "Why does a goat need a beard, and why does a state need a Governor?" The Chief Minister emphasized that while his administration had always maintained decorum, the Governor's repeated defiance insulted the "sentiments of crores of Tamils."

Raj Bhavan Fires Back
Following the incident, Raj Bhavan issued a sharp press release defending the Governor's actions. The statement alleged that the Governor's microphone was repeatedly switched off and that the state government's speech intentionally "bypassed" critical issues, such as increasing atrocities against Dalits. The Governor's office framed the refusal to play the National Anthem at the start as a disregard for fundamental constitutional duties.

Opposition and Political Fallout
The session was further complicated by the opposition AIADMK, led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who staged their own walkout. However, their protest was directed at the ruling DMK, citing a "deteriorating law and order situation" in the state.

The escalating tension highlights a growing constitutional deadlock in Tamil Nadu. With the Assembly resolving to bypass the Governor's silence by officially recording the unread speech, the divide between the Raj Bhavan and the Secretariat appears wider than ever.

With inputs from ANI