DMK calls Governor RN Ravi’s exit from Tamil Nadu Assembly ‘drama’, plans protest
DMK calls Governor RN Ravi’s exit from Tamil Nadu Assembly ‘drama’, plans protest DMK calls Governor RN Ravi’s exit from Tamil Nadu Assembly ‘drama’, plans protest
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) criticised Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi for walking out of the State Assembly on the first session of the year without delivering his customary speech. The party called it a “drama.”
The Governor entered the Assembly, received the Guard of Honour, and remained until the Tamil Anthem was sung. However, he exited the chamber shortly afterwards, prompting claims from the Raj Bhavan’s X handle that he had left due to an alleged insult to the National Anthem.
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A post by Raj Bhavan stated: “The Constitution of Bharat and the National Anthem were insulted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly today. Respecting the National Anthem is one of the first fundamental duties as enshrined in our Constitution.”
In the post, the Governor’s office claimed that he left because his request to play the National Anthem, following the Tamil Anthem, was refused.
Reacting to this, State Transport Minister SS Sivasankar accused Governor Ravi of attempting to alter the traditional practices of the Tamil Nadu Assembly. “Unable to change the practices, and unwilling to read his speech on the success of the Dravidian model of government, the Governor orchestrated this drama,” he said.
Sivasankar further criticised the Governor’s actions, suggesting that Ravi was overplaying his patriotism by boycotting his speech. “Many leaders in Tamil Nadu have sacrificed their lives for the nation. Previous Governors, including those who were freedom fighters, never raised such issues,” he said. He also pointed out that during the AIADMK regime, when the BJP was its ally, the Tamil Anthem was sung first, followed by the National Anthem at the end of the session.
The Minister urged the Governor to apologise for creating an issue over the National Anthem, emphasising that the people of Tamil Nadu would never insult it. He accused Ravi of sidelining himself with his actions, forgetting that he was an appointed Governor and not above the elected government.
DMK Organisational Secretary, RS Bharathi announced that the DMK cadres will protest against Governor RN Ravi on January 7, accusing him of consistently insulting Tamil Nadu, the Tamil Anthem, and acting as an agent of the Union Government.