Tamil Nadu Governor walks out of Assembly on day one, cites disrespect to anthem

A fresh standoff erupted as Governor RN Ravi exited the Tamil Nadu Assembly on day one, citing procedural violations and anthem-related concerns

PGurus Newsdesk

January 20, 2026

Governor RN Ravi exits House without address on day one

Fresh standoff as TN Governor walks out of Assembly

Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi on Tuesday walked out of the Legislative Assembly without delivering the customary address on the opening day of the first session of the year, citing disrespect to the national anthem and disruption during his speech, setting the stage for a fresh confrontation between Raj Bhavan and the state government.

As the proceedings began, Speaker M Appavu urged the Governor to follow established conventions and read out only the address approved by the elected state government. Amid objections from treasury bench members, the Speaker asserted the primacy of legislative procedure, stating that only MLAs are entitled to express opinions on the floor of the House.

Responding from the well of the Assembly, Governor Ravi said it was “unfortunate” that his speech was interrupted. Expressing dissatisfaction with the conduct of the proceedings, he said, “I am disappointed. The National Anthem was not given due respect.”

Soon after making the remarks, the Governor walked out of the House without completing or formally delivering the customary address. He also alleged that his microphone was repeatedly switched off while he attempted to speak.

Subsequently, Raj Bhavan issued a statement outlining the reasons for the walkout. The statement claimed that the Governor was not allowed to speak and that his microphone was deliberately turned off during the proceedings.

The release further alleged that the prepared address contained “numerous unsubstantiated claims and misleading statements” and that several issues of concern raised by the Governor had been omitted from the text approved by the state government.

The walkout marks yet another flashpoint in the ongoing standoff between the Tamil Nadu Governor and the elected government, highlighting persistent tensions over constitutional roles, conventions, and the conduct of Assembly proceedings.

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