Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi walked out of the state Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, marking the fourth consecutive year he has left the House without delivering his customary address. The Governor cited disrespect to the National Anthem and accused the state government's prepared speech of containing "unsubstantiated claims and misleading statements." This incident further deepened the ongoing constitutional and political tensions between the Governor and the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government.[ptinews+6]
Governor Objects to Protocol
The dramatic walkout occurred shortly after the session began. Governor Ravi reportedly demanded that the National Anthem be played at the start of the proceedings, either before or after the 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu,' the state anthem.However, the Assembly adheres to a convention established in 1992 where the 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' opens the session, and the National Anthem is played only at the end.When Speaker M. Appavu refused to deviate from this long-standing tradition, Governor Ravi expressed his displeasure and exited the chamber without reading any part of the address.[timesofindia+9]
The Governor's office, now referred to as Lok Bhavan, quickly released a detailed statement justifying his actions.It alleged that the National Anthem was "yet again insulted" and a fundamental constitutional duty was disregarded.The statement also claimed that the Governor's microphone was "repeatedly switched off" and he was "not allowed to speak" during the proceedings.This, according to Lok Bhavan, made it impossible for him to voice his disapproval on the floor.[hindustantimes+20]
Government's Strong Condemnation
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin strongly condemned Governor Ravi's walkout, calling it a violation of democratic norms, assembly traditions, and the Constitution.Stalin stated that the Governor's behavior was "unbecoming of the high office he holds" and an "insult to the House and its dignity."He highlighted that Article 176 of the Constitution mandates the Governor to read the customary address prepared and approved by the state cabinet.The Chief Minister asserted that there is no scope for the Governor to express personal opinions or omit content from the government-prepared text.[ptinews+14]
Immediately after the Governor's departure, Chief Minister Stalin moved a resolution in the Assembly.This resolution stated that the House does not accept the Governor's behavior of not reading the customary address. It also mandated that only the government-prepared text, as read out by Speaker M. Appavu in Tamil, would be recorded in the official assembly records.The resolution passed unanimously.Stalin further announced that the DMK would make efforts in Parliament, with the support of like-minded parties, to amend the Constitution and remove provisions mandating the Governor's address at the start of the year.He quoted DMK founder C.N. Annadurai, saying, "neither does a goat require a beard, nor does a state require a governor," to underscore his party's stance.[nationalheraldindia+18]
Allegations of Misleading Claims
Beyond the anthem dispute, the Governor's office alleged that the government's prepared address contained "numerous unsubstantiated claims and misleading statements."It also claimed that the speech ignored several "crucial issues troubling the people."[ptinews+16]
Specific objections raised by the Governor's office included the state government's claim of attracting over ₹12 lakh crore in investments. Lok Bhavan described this figure as inaccurate, alleging that many memoranda of understanding remain "only on paper" and actual investment is a fraction of the projected figures. The Governor's statement also pointed out a decline in Tamil Nadu's foreign direct investment (FDI) ranking, stating it had slipped from fourth to sixth place among states.[hindustantimes+9]
The statement also flagged serious omissions regarding social issues. It cited a sharp rise in crimes against women, including a 55% increase in POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) cases and a 33% rise in sexual molestation cases. Growing narcotics and drug abuse among youth, allegedly linked to over 2,000 suicides annually, were also mentioned as ignored issues. The Governor's office further highlighted increasing atrocities against Dalits and sexual violence against Dalit women, claiming these were "totally bypassed" in the address. Declining education standards, with more than 50% faculty posts vacant, were also cited as critical concerns affecting the future of the youth.[hindustantimes+19]
A Pattern of Confrontation[hindustantimes+2]
This incident marks the fourth consecutive year of such confrontations involving Governor Ravi. In 2023, he walked out after Chief Minister Stalin objected to his selective reading and omissions from the government-prepared address, which included references to Dravidian stalwarts like Thanthai Periyar and C.N. Annadurai, and the "Dravidian Model of Governance." In 2024, he read only the first paragraph before exiting. In 2025, he again left without reading the address, citing "deep anguish" over what he described as an "insult" to the Constitution and the National Anthem.[hindupost+8]
The ongoing rift between Governor Ravi, appointed in September 2021, and the DMK government has been characterized by disputes over federal issues, cultural symbols, and delays in assenting to bills. The DMK has accused the central government of using governors to interfere in the affairs of non-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ruled states like Tamil Nadu.[nationalheraldindia+7]
The Governor's latest walkout has intensified the debate over the role of the Governor in state legislative affairs. It underscores the deepening ideological and political divide between the Raj Bhavan and the elected state government, particularly as Tamil Nadu approaches its 2026 Assembly elections. The incident highlights a persistent constitutional flashpoint in Indian federalism.[hindustantimes+1]
