TN Governor RN Ravi Walks Out of Assembly Over Anthem Respect

January 20, 2026

Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi walked out of the State Assembly on Tuesday, citing that the national anthem was not given due respect during the opening of the first session of the year. The dramatic exit came before he could deliver his customary address, sparking political tensions and raising questions about established Assembly protocol.

 What Happened in the Assembly?

The Governor arrived in the House as proceedings began and observed that only the Tamil state anthem was played. According to him, the national anthem was omitted at the traditional juncture, which he considered a breach of ceremonial respect.

When Speaker M. Appavu declined to accede to the Governor’s request to play the national anthem before or with the state song, tensions escalated. The Speaker advised that established rules and conventions of the House would be followed and that the Governor should read the prepared address.

Expressing his dissatisfaction, Ravi remarked that the national anthem was not given due respect and claimed his microphone was turned off during the exchange. He described this as an insult before walking out of the Assembly.

 Assembly Protocol vs. Governor’s Expectations

Traditionally in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, the session begins with Tamil Thai Vaazhthu, the state song, followed later by the national anthem at the end of proceedings. This sequence has been in place for years and reflects local legislative custom.

The Governor insisted that the national anthem should feature prominently at the start or according to his interpretation of constitutional etiquette. When his request was not accepted, he chose to leave the House — a move that has sparked fresh debate over ceremonial priorities.

 Political Reaction and Controversy

The walkout has renewed political friction between the Governor’s office and the Tamil Nadu government. While the Governor framed his departure as a stand for respect toward the nation’s anthem and Constitution, critics see it as an overreach of authority or political posturing.

The Speaker emphasised that only the customary address approved by the state government would be recorded and read, with official procedures upheld despite the Governor’s protest.

 Broader Context

This is not the first time Governor R.N. Ravi’s relations with the Tamil Nadu Assembly have been strained over protocol issues. Similar walkouts and disagreements have occurred in past sessions, often centring around ceremonial practices and procedural protocols regarding the national anthem and the Governor’s speech.

 Final Takeaway

The incident highlights ongoing tensions over symbolic protocol and constitutional duties in the state’s legislature. With both sides sticking to their interpretation of convention and respect for national symbols, this confrontation may shape future Assembly decorum discussions.