Daijiworld Media Network – Chennai

Chennai, Jan 20: Tamil Nadu governor R N Ravi on Tuesday walked out of the state Assembly after declining to deliver the customary address prepared by the MK Stalin-led DMK government, triggering yet another confrontation between the Raj Bhavan and the elected government.

Visuals showed the Governor leaving the Assembly premises and driving away soon after the session began. Subsequently, the Lok Bhavan issued a detailed 13-point statement justifying the walkout, alleging that the address insulted the national anthem and contained “numerous unsubstantiated claims” and “misleading statements”.

The statement claimed that several pressing issues faced by the people were ignored in the government’s speech. It further alleged that the DMK government’s claim of attracting over Rs 12 lakh crore in investments was “far from the truth”, asserting that many agreements remained only on paper and that actual investments were a fraction of the projected figures. According to the Governor’s office, Tamil Nadu has slipped from being the fourth-largest recipient of foreign direct investment to struggling to retain the sixth position among states.

The Lok Bhavan also flagged concerns over women’s safety, alleging a sharp rise in crimes, including over 55 per cent increase in POCSO cases and more than 33 per cent rise in molestation cases. Atrocities against Dalits and sexual violence against Dalit women were also cited as issues that were “totally bypassed” in the address. Declining standards in education, vacant faculty positions and unrest among guest lecturers were highlighted as matters adversely affecting the future of the youth.

The Assembly session began with the rendition of the Tamil anthem, a point that later became part of the controversy cited by the Governor’s office.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin strongly condemned the Governor’s action, calling it unacceptable and against constitutional traditions. He later moved a resolution in the House stating that the English version of the Governor’s address would be deemed to have been delivered.

“The Governor walked out in violation of traditions and the ethos of the House. In the address prepared by the state government, there is no provision for the Governor to add his own views,” Stalin said. Accusing R.N. Ravi of acting deliberately, the Chief Minister said the walkout amounted to an “insult to the Assembly” and asserted that the Governor should support, not obstruct, the functioning of the elected government.