Chennai – In a dramatic turn of events, Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi walked out of the State Legislative Assembly on January 20, 2026, alleging that he was not allowed to speak and that the National Anthem was disrespected. This marks the third consecutive year the Governor has boycotted or walked out of the Assembly.

The incident occurred shortly after Governor Ravi entered the House to deliver the customary address. According to reports, the Governor expressed his disappointment, stating that the National Anthem was not given due respect. He insisted that the National Anthem should be played at the beginning of the address, following the Tamil anthem, "Tamil Thai Vaazhthu," a tradition typically observed at the end of the session.

Speaker M. Appavu reportedly refused the Governor's demand, urging him to adhere to the established customs and rules of the House. The Speaker asserted that only elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are entitled to express opinions within the House.

In response, Governor Ravi walked out of the Assembly without delivering the customary address. Following his departure, the Raj Bhavan issued a statement asserting that the Governor was denied the opportunity to speak and that the government-drafted address omitted several pressing concerns of the people. The statement also claimed that the Governor's microphone was repeatedly switched off. "I am aware of my responsibilities. I cannot read out address which is full of inaccuracies. I am not allowed to speak. My mic was switched off, I am insulted," Ravi stated.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin addressed the Assembly, stating that the Governor's actions disrespected the House and went against Assembly protocols. He recalled the words of C.N. Annadurai, "Why does a goat need a beard, and why does a state need a Governor?". Stalin further accused the Governor of spreading malicious campaigns against the government on public platforms and attempting to enact a similar move in the Assembly, which he deemed unacceptable.

The opposition party, AIADMK, also staged a walkout, protesting against the DMK-led state government and citing a deterioration of law and order in Tamil Nadu.

This is not the first instance of conflict between Governor Ravi and the Tamil Nadu government. Tensions have been simmering since Ravi assumed office in 2021, with the DMK government accusing him of acting as a BJP spokesperson and obstructing bills and appointments. The Governor, in turn, has stated that the Constitution empowers him to withhold assent to legislation. The dispute has even reached the Supreme Court and Rashtrapati Bhavan. In the previous year, the Governor refused to deliver the customary address, citing "misleading claims" in the draft.