Chennai: After the national anthem was not played at the start of the session, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi abruptly left the state Assembly on Monday morning, citing a protocol violation. This was an unusual turn of events.
The episode has worsened the division between the state government and the governor, bringing back discussions about political rivalry and constitutional validity.
The argument over the national anthem is the most recent in a string of disagreements over constitutional and ceremonial customs. The national anthem is sung at the conclusion of the day’s session, while the Tamil Thai Vaazhthu is performed at the beginning of proceedings, according to Assembly protocol. The DMK administration believes that the Raj Bhavan’s insistence on altering this protocol goes too far.
In Frame: R N Ravi, Governor, Tamil Nadu
When the Assembly met for its first session of the year, the drama started. The state’s official song, Tamil Thai Vaazhthu, was sung to start the session, as is customary. The Governor, however, objected to the exclusion of the national anthem and allegedly urged Speaker M. Appavu and Chief Minister M. K. Stalin to make sure it was included. His request was declined, prompting Ravi to leave the Assembly less than five minutes after the session began.
In a statement released on social media shortly thereafter, the Raj Bhavan accused the state government of “brazen disrespect” to the Constitution and the national anthem.
“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 duties as enshrined in our Constitution. It is sung in all the state legislatures at the beginning and the end of Governor’s address. Today, on arrival of Governor to the House, only Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu was sung. Governor respectfully reminded the House of its Constitutional Duty and fervently appealed to the Hon’ble Chief Minister who is the Leader of the House and the Hon’ble Speaker for singing the National Anthem. However, they cussedly refused. It is a matter of grave concern. Not to be a party to such brazen disrespect to the Constitution and the National Anthem, the Governor in deep anguish left the House,” the statement read.
Speaker Appavu read the governor’s traditional speech, which was written in Tamil by the state government, to continue the session. The government’s agenda for the year is usually outlined in the address, which is a highlight of the opening session. However, the proceedings were overshadowed by the governor’s absence, which led to protests and walkouts by legislators from every party.
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