During Monday’s assembly session, a noteworthy development unfolded as Chief Minister M K Stalin swiftly responded to Governor R N Ravi’s speech. In a mere eight minutes, Stalin, in consultation with Minister Duraimurugan, formulated a resolution rebuking the governor for deviating from the customary practice of delivering a government-prepared policy statement. The governor, perhaps sensing the brewing confrontation, chose to exit the assembly promptly.
The sequence of events began with a tumultuous protest by DMK allies – Congress, VCK, MDMK, CPI, CPM, MMK, TVK, and KNMK – who voiced their dissatisfaction with the governor’s use of ‘Tamizhagam’ instead of ‘Tamil Nadu.’ Ravi continued his address, extending New Year and Pongal wishes and quoting Avvaiyar’s poem ‘Varappura neer uyarum.’ Subsequently, DMK allies left the assembly, followed by PMK members protesting the governor’s delayed approval of a bill against online gambling.
Technical disruptions added to the chaos, with LED screens intermittently turning off as the governor deviated from the prepared text. Chief Minister Stalin, sensing the gravity of the situation, engaged in discussions with Duraimurugan and assembly secretary K Srinivasan. The initially upbeat atmosphere in the treasury benches gave way to concern.
After the governor’s 47-minute address, Speaker M Appavu read out the Tamil version, including the omitted portions. Chief Minister Stalin, during his address, expressed regret over the governor’s failure to adhere to the approved text, branding it a violation of legislative conventions. Former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami signaled AIADMK MLAs to walk out as tensions escalated.
Governor Ravi, originally from Bihar, checked with his aides about Stalin’s speech before leaving the assembly in evident displeasure. As he passed Chief Minister Stalin, a smirk from the latter became a symbol celebrated by DMK social media. The governor’s departure amidst contrasting slogans from DMK and BJP members marked a dramatic conclusion to the session.
