Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi on Tuesday once again declined to read his speech and walked out of the Legislative Assembly without delivering the customary address on the opening day of the first session of the year, triggering a sharp confrontation between Raj Bhavan and the House.
As proceedings began, Speaker M Appavu urged the Governor to adhere to established rules and conventions and read out only the customary address approved by the state government. Intervening amid objections from the treasury benches, the Speaker asserted the primacy of legislative procedure, stating, “Only MLAs can express opinion in the House, no one else.”
Governor Ravi responded from the well of the House, saying it was “unfortunate” that his speech was interrupted. He expressed displeasure over the conduct of the proceedings, adding, “I am disappointed. The National Anthem was not given due respect.” Shortly thereafter, the Governor walked out of the Assembly without completing, or formally delivering, the address.
He also claimed that his mic was constantly switched off.
Later, Lok Bhavan issued a statement explaining the reasons behind the walkout. The release alleged that the Governor’s microphone was repeatedly switched off and claimed that he was not allowed to speak. It further stated that the prepared address contained “numerous unsubstantiated claims and misleading statements,” and that several issues of concern raised by the Governor were not reflected in the text.
{{/usCountry}}Later, Lok Bhavan issued a statement explaining the reasons behind the walkout. The release alleged that the Governor’s microphone was repeatedly switched off and claimed that he was not allowed to speak. It further stated that the prepared address contained “numerous unsubstantiated claims and misleading statements,” and that several issues of concern raised by the Governor were not reflected in the text.
{{/usCountry}}The Lok Bhavan alleged that the Tamil Nadu government "claim that the state attracted huge investments to the tune of over (Rs) 12 lakh crores is far from the truth."
"Many of the MOUs with prospective investors remain only on paper. Actual investment is hardly a fraction of it. Investment data show that Tamil Nadu is becoming less attractive for investors. Until four years ago Tamil Nadu, among the states, was the fourth largest recipient of foreign direct investment. Today it is struggling to remain at the sixth."
"National Anthem is yet again insulted and the fundamental Constitutional duty disregarded," it alleged.
Further, atrocities against Dalits and sexual violence against Dalit women sharply increasing. However, it is totally bypassed," the statement read.