TN Governor Ravi Sparks Fresh Row, Stalin Vows to Amend Constitution

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Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi has once again sparked a controversy by walking out of the state assembly on the opening day of the first session, citing 12 reasons including the playing of the state anthem at the beginning of the session and the national anthem at the end. This is the third consecutive year that Ravi has refused to read the customary speech prepared by the state government, sparking a fresh row between the Governor and the DMK-led state government. The Lok Bhavan listed several reasons for Ravi's decision, including the governor's microphone being repeatedly switched off, unsubstantiated claims and misleading statements in the speech, and the speech ignoring issues such as women's safety, prevalence of narcotics, and attacks against Dalits. The Governor's office also pointed out that crucial directions of the Madras High Court on the restoration and preservation of ancient temples have not been implemented even after five years. Chief Minister M K Stalin hit back at Ravi, saying that his party, the DMK, would take efforts to amend the Constitution to eliminate the practice of the Governor delivering a speech at the beginning of the year. Stalin also announced that the DMK would record the English version of the speech as read by the Speaker. The DMK formed the government in May 2021, and Ravi became governor that September. Since then, they have had multiple confrontations over various issues, including a legal battle in the Supreme Court over Ravi not signing bills. The Governor's action has been backed by the Opposition, with AIADMK general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami saying that all the issues listed by the Governor are true. The speech prepared by the state government urged the BJP-led Union government to release funds due to Tamil Nadu, citing a grave concern that the Union Government has been adopting an adverse attitude towards the state. The speech also urged the Union government to withdraw the VB-G-RAM-G scheme that replaces MGNRES and reiterated that the state will not accept a three-language formula and will oppose the imposition of Hindi.