In a dramatic turn of events on January 6, 2025, Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi abruptly left the State Assembly session without delivering his customary address, igniting yet another chapter in his fraught relationship with the state government. The controversy arose when the national anthem was not played after the state anthem, Tamil Thai Vaazhthu, which the Governor insisted upon.

According to the state government, playing the national anthem has traditionally been reserved for the conclusion of the Governor’s address. Leader of the House Duraimurugan and Transport Minister S.S. Sivasankar reaffirmed this practice, which was communicated to the Governor’s office prior to the session. However, Raj Bhavan issued a fiery statement, accusing the Assembly of disrespecting the Constitution and fundamental duties by omitting the national anthem at the start.

Calling the incident a “matter of grave concern,” the Governor’s office claimed that the Chief Minister and Speaker “cussedly refused” the Governor’s appeal to include the national anthem. Unable to condone this “brazen disrespect,” the Governor walked out after barely three minutes in the House. His speech was subsequently read out by Speaker M. Appavu.

The incident sparked immediate chaos. Opposition AIADMK members protested with placards, raising demands for justice in a separate sexual assault case at Anna University. Congress members walked out, denouncing the Governor’s actions.

This isn’t the first clash between Governor Ravi and the M.K. Stalin-led government. In February last year, the Governor walked out of the Assembly over another address dispute, and a similar incident occurred in January 2023 when he deviated from the pre-approved speech.

The ongoing standoff reflects deepening tensions between the Governor and the state government, raising questions about the delicate balance of power and protocol. Will this latest row escalate into a broader constitutional crisis?