Governor R.N. Ravi Walks Out of Tamil Nadu Assembly Amid Protocol Row; CM Stalin Condemns Action as ‘Insult’ to Democratic Traditions
Chennai, January 20, 2026: In a dramatic escalation of the long-standing tussle between Raj Bhavan and the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government, Governor R.N. Ravi walked out of the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday without delivering the customary address on the opening day of the first session of the year. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the Governor has refused to read out the government-prepared speech, highlighting deepening constitutional and political friction in the state.
The incident unfolded shortly after the session began with the rendition of Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu, the state anthem. Governor Ravi expressed strong displeasure, alleging that the national anthem was not given due respect and was “insulted.” He further claimed that his microphone was repeatedly switched off during the proceedings, preventing him from speaking. Declaring, “My mic was switched off, I am insulted,” the Governor exited the House abruptly, leaving behind the prepared address that outlines the government’s agenda and achievements.
Raj Bhavan (referred to in some statements as Lok Bhavan) promptly issued a detailed press release justifying the walkout. The statement accused the government-prepared speech of containing “inaccuracies,” “unsubstantiated claims,” and “misleading statements.” It highlighted several omissions, including rising atrocities against Dalits, sexual violence against Dalit women, drug abuse, suicides, and other pressing governance issues. The release also reiterated concerns over disrespect to the national anthem and disregard for constitutional duties, listing these among 13 specific reasons for the Governor’s refusal to proceed.
The episode sparked sharp reactions from the ruling DMK camp. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin strongly condemned the Governor’s action as a “breach of tradition,” a “violation of rules, traditions, and ethos,” and an outright “insult to the House” and the democratic mandate of the people. Stalin accused Ravi of deliberately disrupting proceedings and attempting to insert his personal views into the address, which is not permitted under established protocol. The Chief Minister piloted a resolution in the Assembly deeming the English version of the address as “read” and recorded, which was passed unanimously, effectively bypassing the Governor’s walkout.
Stalin further indicated that the government intends to pursue constitutional amendments—potentially in alliance with like-minded parties nationwide—to eliminate the mandatory requirement of a Governor’s address at the start of Assembly sessions. He described the Governor’s repeated refusals as an attempt to undermine the elected government’s authority.
The incident is the latest chapter in a protracted conflict between Governor Ravi and the DMK government, which has frequently centered on issues of protocol, federal relations, and perceived gubernatorial overreach. Previous years have seen similar walkouts or partial readings, often triggered by disputes over the speech’s content or anthem protocols. Opposition parties, including the AIADMK, also staged protests and walkouts during the session on related law-and-order concerns.
As Tamil Nadu’s political landscape remains charged, this latest confrontation underscores persistent tensions between the state’s executive and the constitutional head, raising questions about the balance of powers in a federal setup.
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