Tamil Nadu Assembly Faces Row Over National Anthem; Governor Walks Out

By A Staff Reporter

Chennai, January 4 — A major controversy erupted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly as Governor R.N. Ravi walked out in protest, alleging disrespect to the National Anthem and the Constitution. The incident occurred during the Governor's customary address to the Assembly, where only the Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu, the state song, was sung at the beginning, contrary to established convention.

In a tweet from the official handle of Raj Bhavan Tamil Nadu, the Governor's office expressed its concerns, stating, "The Constitution of Bharat and the National Anthem were once again insulted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly today. Respecting the National Anthem is among the first Fundamental Duty as enshrined in our Constitution."

The Raj Bhavan alleged that the National Anthem, traditionally sung at the beginning and end of the Governor’s address in state legislatures, was deliberately omitted. The Governor reportedly reminded the Assembly, including Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Speaker M. Appavu, of their constitutional duty to sing the National Anthem but claimed his appeal was "cussedly refused."

Deeply anguished by the incident, Governor Ravi left the Assembly mid-session. The walkout has sparked a heated debate, with the Raj Bhavan calling it "a matter of grave concern" and accusing the ruling party of "brazen disrespect" to constitutional norms.