Governor RN Ravi Walks Out of Assembly For Fourth Time; Accuses TN Govt of Misleading Claims, Disrespecting National Anthem

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi on Tuesday (20 January) walked out of the Legislative Assembly without delivering his customary address on the first day of the year’s first session, triggering tensions between Raj Bhavan and the House, the Hindustan Times reported.

As proceedings began, Speaker M Appavu urged the Governor to follow established rules and read the customary address approved by the state government.

Intervening amid objections from treasury benches, the Speaker said, “Only MLAs can express opinion in the House, no one else.”

Governor Ravi, standing in the well of the House, expressed his displeasure, calling the interruption “unfortunate.”

He added, “I am disappointed. The National Anthem was not given due respect.” Shortly afterward, he left the Assembly without formally delivering the address, also alleging that his microphone was repeatedly switched off.

Later, Lok Bhavan issued a statement explaining the walkout. It claimed the Governor was not allowed to speak and that the prepared address contained “numerous unsubstantiated claims and misleading statements.”

The statement disputed several points raised in the speech, saying the Tamil Nadu government’s claim of attracting investments of over Rs 12 lakh crore “is far from the truth,” adding, “Many of the MOUs with prospective investors remain only on paper.

Actual investment is hardly a fraction of it. Investment data show that Tamil Nadu is becoming less attractive for investors. Until four years ago Tamil Nadu, among the states, was the fourth largest recipient of foreign direct investment. Today it is struggling to remain at the sixth.”

The statement also criticised the handling of constitutional duties, saying, “National Anthem is yet again insulted and the fundamental Constitutional duty disregarded.”

It highlighted growing social concerns, pointing out that atrocities against Dalits and cases of sexual violence against Dalit women are rising sharply, yet these issues remain largely unaddressed.

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