Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi skipped the customary address to the Assembly on Tuesday after reiterating his demand that the national anthem and the state anthem be played together at the start of the session. Similar scenes have been witnessed in previous Assembly sessions as well.

The Assembly convened at 9:30 am. As proceedings began, the Tamil Nadu state anthem was played. Soon after, the Governor walked out of the House without delivering the opening address.

Speaker M Appavu then informed the Assembly that the Governor RN Ravi had been formally notified of the protocol. Unaffected by the walkout, CM MK Stalin then moved a resolution to place the Governor's speech on record. Tamil Nadu Governor, appointed by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government and Chief Minister MK Stalin's DMK continue to be at odds over several issues, including law and order.

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Lok Bhavan Issues Statement

Tamil Nadu Lok Bhavan issued a statement after the incident stating that the National Anthem was once again insulted, adding that the Governor RN Ravi’s mic was repeatedly switched off and he was not allowed to speak.

“The National Anthem is yet again insulted and the Fundamental Constitutional Duty disregarded," Lok Bhavan’s statement read.

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The release also highlighted the rise in Atrocities and sexual violence against Dalits in the state. “Atrocities against Dalits and sexual violence against Dalit women are sharply increasing," the release read.

“About 20,000 people in our state committed suicide in one year- almost 65 suicides every day. Nowhere else in the country is the situation so alarming. Tamil Nadu is being referred to as the Suicide Capital of India. Yet it does not seem to concern the government," Governor's office added.

CM Stalin Reacts 

In a quick response, CM Stalin said the Governor's actions had "disrespected and insulted 100-year-old traditions of the House." He then recalled a saying by DMK founder CN Annadurai, who once stated, "Why does a goat need a beard… and why does a state need a Governor?"