Chennai, Jan 20 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin criticized the actions of Governor R.N. Ravi as “unbecoming” of the constitutional role he occupies, following the Governor's decision to exit the Assembly without delivering the traditional address at the commencement of the session.

In the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, CM Stalin introduced a special resolution denouncing the Governor’s behavior, indicating that it represented a conscious breach of constitutional principles, legislative protocols, and established customs.

He emphasized that this was not the first instance of the Governor disregarding Assembly traditions. Citing Article 176 of the Constitution, CM Stalin noted that the Governor's Address is crafted by the elected state government and must be delivered in its entirety.

“The Constitution does not empower the Governor to voice personal opinions, omit segments, or decline to present the address prepared by the government,” the Chief Minister remarked.

He added that Article 176 does not require the government to justify the address's contents.

CM Stalin stated that despite the government addressing previous inquiries raised by the Governor, the latter had “willfully chosen” to flout constitutional conventions.

This conduct, he asserted, demonstrated a lack of respect for a democratically elected Assembly with a legacy of centuries-old traditions and a commendable legislative background.

Recalling his remarks in the Assembly on April 10, 2023, CM Stalin quoted the late leader and scholar C.N. Annadurai, who once stated that “a goat does not need a beard, and a nation does not need the office of Governor.”

He pointed out that while former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi shared this ideological perspective, he consistently held the Governor’s office in high regard.

“In line with that tradition, this government has always respected the position,” the CM stated.

He accused the Governor of acting against constitutional expectations by making political declarations in public, attempting to hinder the elected government's operations, and disseminating misinformation.

A Governor, CM Stalin asserted, should embody the people's aspirations, collaborate with a government that has a clear majority, and act for the state’s welfare.

The Assembly unanimously approved the resolution, asserting that it rejects the Governor’s walkout without delivering the address, and that the English version of the speech uploaded to members’ computers would be regarded as read and included in the official records.

Thanking the members for their support, CM Stalin remarked that the matter should not be dismissed as a temporary controversy. He declared that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), with backing from like-minded parties nationwide, would pursue a constitutional amendment to eliminate the custom of the Governor’s Address at the start of the first session of the year.