Governor refuses to read the customary speech in T.N. House
POLITY – STATES
21 JANUARY 2026
- In what has now become a familiar scene, Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi declined to read out his customary address prepared by the State government on the floor of the Legislative Assembly, and walked out of the House.
- Shortly after his exit, the Lok Bhavan issued a statement saying that Mr. Ravi had declined to read the address as it contained “numerous unsubstantiated claims and misleading statements”.
- Besides, several crucial issues troubling the people were ignored and the Governor’s microphone “was repeatedly switched off and he was not allowed to speak”, it said.
- Disapproving of Mr. Ravi’s action, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin moved a resolution urging the Assembly to take on record only the approved Governor’s Address.
- The House adopted the resolution unanimously.
- Mr. Stalin announced that the DMK would take steps for a Constitution amendment to do away with the practice of commencing the first Assembly session of the year with the Governor’s address.
- During the past three years, the Governor has either digressed from the prepared speech or refused to read it out and walked out of the House.
- Citing constitutional provisions, the Speaker reminded the House about the duties of the Governor. “The Governor cannot voice out his opinion in the Assembly. Please follow the procedure,” the Speaker requested repeatedly, reminding the Assembly that only its 234 elected members are permitted to express their opinions on the floor of the House.
- Later, the Governor chose to walk out of the House.
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