Tamil Nadu Governor Walks Out of Assembly on Opening Day, Citing Procedural Concerns

Tension marked the opening day of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly’s first session of the year on Tuesday after Governor R.N. Ravi left the House without delivering the customary address, triggering a fresh confrontation between Raj Bhavan and the State government.

The incident unfolded soon after proceedings began, when the Governor was expected to read out the traditional address prepared and approved by the elected government. Assembly Speaker M. Appavu intervened early, urging the Governor to adhere strictly to established constitutional conventions and limit himself to the officially approved text. The Speaker reiterated that the Governor’s address is a formal constitutional requirement and not a forum for personal observations.

As members of the treasury benches raised objections, the Speaker asserted the primacy of legislative procedure, stating that only elected members have the authority to express opinions on the floor of the House. This exchange set the stage for a tense atmosphere in the Assembly.

Responding from the well of the House, Governor Ravi expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which the proceedings were conducted. He said he was disappointed that his address was interrupted and alleged that he was not allowed to speak freely. The Governor also claimed that due respect was not accorded during the rendition of the National Anthem, an assertion that added to the seriousness of the standoff.

Within minutes of making these remarks, the Governor walked out of the Assembly without completing or formally delivering the customary address. He also alleged that his microphone was repeatedly turned off during the proceedings, preventing him from conveying his views.

Following the walkout, Raj Bhavan issued a detailed statement explaining the Governor’s position. The statement claimed that the Governor faced repeated interruptions and was denied an opportunity to speak. It further alleged that the prepared address contained several claims that, according to Raj Bhavan, were not supported by adequate data and did not reflect certain concerns the Governor had raised earlier.

Among the issues highlighted in the statement was the State government’s assertion regarding large-scale investment inflows. Raj Bhavan questioned claims that Tamil Nadu had attracted investments worth over ₹12 lakh crore, suggesting that many memorandums of understanding signed with prospective investors had not translated into actual investments. The statement also cited data indicating that the State’s position among top recipients of foreign direct investment had declined in recent years.

The statement further expressed concern over social justice and law-and-order issues, alleging that certain matters, including incidents affecting vulnerable communities, were not adequately addressed in the official address. It also reiterated the Governor’s view that constitutional duties related to national symbols should be observed with utmost seriousness.

The developments once again brought into focus the ongoing friction between the Governor and the State government. In recent years, differences over administrative decisions, legislative bills, and public statements have led to repeated confrontations between Raj Bhavan and the elected leadership, often spilling into the public domain.

Members of the ruling alliance maintained that the Assembly followed established rules and conventions and that the Governor is constitutionally bound to read the address approved by the Cabinet. They argued that the Governor’s role during the address is largely ceremonial and that any deviation from the approved text undermines legislative procedure.

Opposition leaders, meanwhile, described the episode as a constitutional impasse that reflects deeper disagreements between the two constitutional authorities. Some called for dialogue to resolve differences, warning that repeated stand-offs could distract from legislative business and governance priorities.

Constitutional experts note that the Governor’s address at the beginning of a legislative session is meant to outline the government’s policy agenda and is drafted by the Council of Ministers. While Governors may convey concerns through other channels, conventionally they are expected to read the approved text in the House. Departures from this practice, experts say, often lead to institutional friction.

As the Assembly session continues, the walkout is likely to have political and constitutional repercussions. While no immediate disruption to legislative business was announced, the episode has added to the ongoing debate on the role of Governors and the balance of power between elected governments and constitutional heads in States.

For now, the State government and Raj Bhavan remain at odds, with both sides standing by their respective interpretations of procedure and constitutional responsibility. Whether the latest confrontation leads to further escalation or opens the door for dialogue remains to be seen in the days ahead.