Tamil Nadu Minister Critiques Governor Ravi's Departure from Assembly
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Chennai, Jan 6 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister and DMK General Secretary, S. Duraimurugan, has strongly criticized Governor R.N. Ravi for exiting the Assembly without delivering the traditional address.
Duraimurugan condemned the Governor's actions, stating that R.N. Ravi has consistently exhibited similar conduct.
He pointed out that the Governor's refusal to deliver the address, as required under Article 176 of the Constitution, raises significant concerns regarding his motivations.
Previously, Governor Ravi had walked out of the Assembly on the first day of the session without delivering the customary address.
Duraimurugan mentioned that the Assembly Speaker, M. Appavu, had informed the Governor as early as last year about the established protocol: the Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu (the invocation to Mother Tamil, the state song) is sung prior to the address, and the national anthem is played at its conclusion.
The senior DMK leader added that the Governor's persistent objections and actions signify a lack of respect for the Assembly's long-standing traditions.
Duraimurugan emphasized that the state government, the legislative body, and the people of Tamil Nadu have consistently shown great respect for the nation, the national anthem, and the principles of patriotism and national integration.
He also recalled that in February 2024, Governor Ravi had sparked controversy by refusing to read the complete address prepared by the state government.
During that incident, the Governor shortened an hour-long speech to three minutes and exited the Assembly, citing disagreement with certain sections of the text and accusing the state of undermining the national anthem.
A similar controversy emerged in 2023 when Governor Ravi omitted parts of the policy address that mentioned secularism, the Dravidian model, and prominent leaders such as Periyar, B.R. Ambedkar, and former Chief Ministers C.N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi.
In response, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin introduced a resolution to officially record only the original speech prepared by the government.
Duraimurugan also stated that the late DMK patriarch and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi had voiced concerns about the Governor's role but had always shown respect for the gubernatorial office.
The Minister concluded by asserting that the Governor's ongoing disregard for constitutional and legislative standards undermines the dignity of the Assembly and raises questions about his commitment to his role.
