Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi walked out of the Assembly Monday even as Chief Minister M K Stalin moved a resolution urging Speaker M Appavu to relax Rule 17 and retain the speech prepared by the state government as part of the governor’s customary address.
While Stalin was delivering his speech, Governor Ravi walked out of the Assembly before its proceedings came to an end with the playing of the national anthem.
#WATCH | Chennai: A ruckus breaks out at the Tamil Nadu assembly soon after Governor RN Ravi begins his address as the Session begins.
A few MLAs of DMK alliance parties are raising slogans against the Governor.
(Video Source: Tamil Nadu Assembly) pic.twitter.com/M8gzGDwKO7
— ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2023
In his speech, Stalin said despite the fact that the governor’s activities were against the principles of the Dravidian Model of governance, since they are acting on behalf of the government, they respected the Assembly’s regulations and didn’t show any dissent while Ravi was delivering his speech.
“With utmost dignity, we gave respect to the Governor who came here to deliver his speech under the Constitution. However, he acted not just against our principles but also against the government and didn’t read the speech that was prepared by the government and approved by him. It’s not just saddening, it is against the traditions of the assembly,” Stalin said.
Ravi’s inaugural speech had about 67 points that were presented in both English and Tamil. While delivering his speech, the governor skipped portions that spoke about the management of law and order in the state, ideals of social justice, self-respect, inclusive growth, women empowerment, etc. He also skipped talking about the principles and ideals of Dravidian leaders, including Periyar, B R Ambedkar, CN Annadurai, and M Karunanidhi, as well as the Dravidian model of governance.
Before Ravi could begin his speech, DMK allies the VCK, the Left parties, and the Congress shouted slogans against the recent comments made by the governor. The legislators shouted ‘Long Live Tamil Nadu’ and ‘Aaalunare Veliyeru’ (Walkout, Governor). PMK MLAs also staged a walkout condemning the delay by the governor in providing assent to the Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Bill, 2022, passed by the government.
BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan condemned the behaviour of the legislators.
Later, while addressing reporters, DMK minister Thangam Thennarasu said the speech was sent to the governor with the chief minister’s approval and Ravi had also given his nod two days ago. “He (Governor) may have his own ideology and principles and talk about them outside, but it is not acceptable to bring them to the assembly and act according to his own whims and fancies,” Thennarasu said.
Thennarasu added the governor disrespected the national anthem as he walked out before it was played during the conclusion of the session.
