Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Calls Governor Ravi’s Actions ‘Childish’ Over Failure To Address Assembly – News18

Last Updated:January 11, 2025, 22:13 IST

Stalin further remarked that the state legislature had witnessed unusual scenes in recent years, notably since Ravi took office as Governor

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday slammed Governor RN Ravi for choosing not to address the state Legislative Assembly, calling his decision “childish”. He made these comments during the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address.

Stalin further remarked that the state legislature had witnessed unusual scenes in recent years, notably since Ravi took office as Governor.

“The Governor comes to the Assembly but returns without addressing the House. That’s why I called his actions childish,” Stalin said, referring to his previous remarks about the Governor’s conduct.

Under Article 176 of the Indian Constitution, the Governor is required to deliver an address at the beginning of each session of the state legislature. Stalin accused Ravi of deliberately avoiding this responsibility in a “planned manner” over the past three years.

He also pointed out that in 2022, Ravi had delivered his address without altering the speech, but since then, he has provided various “absurd” reasons for not fulfilling the constitutional obligation.

The Chief Minister also referred to the tradition of singing the Tamil anthem, “Tamil Thai Valthu,” before the session begins and playing the national anthem after the Governor’s address.

Stalin noted that Ravi’s actions might stem from his inability to “digest” Tamil Nadu’s development. “I may be an ordinary person but this Legislative Assembly came into existence due to the feelings of crore of people,” he added.

Stalin further expressed that the House could not tolerate the Governor’s actions, which he saw as disrespectful to the Assembly, the people of Tamil Nadu, and the dignity of the Tamil anthem. “We should not see such things again,” Stalin added.

On January 6, Governor Ravi left the Assembly without delivering his customary address. The Raj Bhavan later stated that he had left “in deep anguish” because the national anthem had not been played.

“Disrespecting the Constitution does not augur well for democracy,” the Governor had then said. Reacting, Stalin had said, “it was childish of the Governor choosing not to read the government address.”

In his reply to the House today, Stalin reminded that the Dravidian uprising arose against neglect, humiliation, and oppression. Stalin, who is president of DMK, exuded confidence that his party would certainly form the government for the seventh time.

(With inputs from PTI)