In an unprecedented turn of events during the first session of 2024 Tamil Nadu Assembly, Governor RN Ravi refused to deliver the customary address prepared by the government, citing objections on both ‘factual and moral’ grounds.

The Governor contended that the address included passages he vehemently disagreed with, deeming it a constitutional travesty to voice them.

Also Read:Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan quits Congress

“My repeated request and advice to show due respect to the national anthem and play it at the beginning and end of the address has been ignored. This address has numerous passages with which I convincingly disagree on factual and moral grounds. I lending my voice to them would constitute a constitutional travesty. Hence, with respect to the house, I conclude my address. Wish this house a productive and healthy discussion for the good of the people,” he said, as ANI reported.

Following this, Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M. Appavu addressed the assembly to provide the Tamil interpretation of the Governor’s speech. While acknowledging the approval for the Governor’s customary address, the Speaker refrained from placing blame on him for not delivering the entire speech.

Also Read:‘Delhi Chalo’ protest: Haryana Police issues traffic advisory, seals Punjab borders ahead of farmers’ march on February 13

“Tamil Nadu Government got approval for Governor’s customary address and he was here to read his address. He didn’t read his full speech but I don’t want to blame him. The Governor also said the National Anthem should have been sung. Everyone has many opinions but if we speak everything it won’t be ethical. This Government, CM, Minister and MLAs will treat the Governor with respect who is on high position irrespective of many different opinions. I am requesting Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, you speak what you had in your heart. What we have in our heart is Floods and Cyclone have affected. We didn’t get any funds not even paisa. PM care funds have many funds which are unaccountable. Can we ask for 50 thousand crore from PM Care fund? It would be nice If Governor gets it for us,” the Speaker said.

Taking a swipe at the Governor, the Speaker remarked, “The Tamil Nadu Assembly is not less than those who walk on the path of Savarkar and Godse.” Subsequently, the Governor left the assembly without waiting for the customary singing of the national anthem.

In response to the Governor’s actions, the Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution, considering the Governor’s address as fully delivered, inclusive of the portions that were omitted.