Tamil Nadu Governor Walks Out of Assembly Amid Dispute Over Address and National Anthem

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In a dramatic turn of events, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi walked out of the state Assembly on Tuesday after a dispute over the customary address. Governor Ravi had arrived at the Assembly with the prepared address, but Speaker M Appavu asked him to adhere to constitutional conventions and read only the approved text. However, Governor Ravi claimed that his speech was being interrupted and the National Anthem was not being given due respect. He also alleged that his microphone was repeatedly switched off. The Governor's office has since released a statement justifying the walkout, citing objections to the address's content, including claims of inaccurate investments and omissions of crucial issues like rising crimes against women and declining education standards. Chief Minister MK Stalin responded by accusing the Governor of disrespecting legislative traditions and insulting the Assembly's dignity. Stalin maintained that the government had not disrespected the Governor or his office, but rather, it was Governor Ravi who had failed to respect the sentiments of the Tamil people. This is the third consecutive year that Governor Ravi has declined to deliver the Assembly address, with similar disputes over the playing of the National Anthem and the contents of the address. The development has sparked concerns about the recurring flashpoint between Raj Bhavan and the Tamil Nadu government.