MK Stalin seeks constitutional amendment to scrap governor’s address

Amid clashes with Governors across states, MK Stalin proposes ending the tradition of the Governor’s address, accusing Raj Bhavans of undermining federalism

PGurus Newsdesk

January 23, 2026

Stalin Accuses Governors Of Acting As ‘Party Agents’, Floats Constitutional Change

CM accuses Governors of acting as “party agents”

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday announced that the DMK would consult like-minded opposition parties across the country to move a constitutional amendment seeking to abolish the practice of the Governor’s address at the start of the first session of state Assemblies.

Reacting to recent confrontations between Governors and elected governments in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka, Stalin accused Governors of functioning as “party agents” and undermining India’s federal structure.

In a strongly worded post on X, the chief minister said the developments across states revealed a clear and deliberate pattern.
“First Tamil Nadu. Then Kerala. Now Karnataka. Governors refusing to read speeches prepared by state governments and behaving like party agents, undermining duly elected governments,” Stalin wrote.

He argued that the Governor’s address, traditionally meant to reaffirm democratic governance, has now become “obsolete and irrelevant” and is increasingly being used as a political flashpoint. Stalin said the DMK would initiate consultations with opposition parties that share similar concerns and pursue the proposed amendment in the next session of Parliament.

The remarks come days after Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi walked out of the Assembly before completing his inaugural address. The Governor later alleged that he was disrespected after the national anthem was not played and claimed his microphone was switched off.

Inside the House, Speaker M. Appavu urged Governor Ravi to follow established legislative conventions, leading to sharp exchanges. Raj Bhavan subsequently defended the walkout, alleging that the state government’s prepared speech had omitted references to atrocities against Dalits and sexual violence against Dalit women.

The controversy also triggered political reactions from the Opposition, with the AIADMK staging a walkout citing concerns over law and order.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.