CHENNAI: High drama ensued inside the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly after Governor R N Ravi refused his customary address and walked out in protest over not playing the national anthem at the start of the session.

In the usually followed pattern, the session begins with the state anthem ‘Tamil Thaai Vaazthu’ and ends with the Indian national anthem. But the Governor insisted that the National Anthem be played at both times. While the ‘Tamil Thaai Vaazthu’ started playing, the Governor walked out from the assembly in protest and cited a brazen breach of constitutional duties.

"India's Constitution and National Anthem have been insulted again today in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Respecting the National Anthem is one of the first fundamental duties enshrined in our Constitution. The National Anthem is played at every state assembly across the nation both at the beginning and end of the sessions.” Said Governor RN Ravi.

“Today on the arrival of the Governor to the House, only ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ was sung. The Governor respectfully reminded the House of its constitutional duty and fervently appealed to the Chief Minister who is the Leader of the House and the honourable Speaker to sing the National Anthem. However, they cussedly refused. It is a matter of grave concern. Not to be a party to such brazen disrespect to the Constitution and the National Anthem, the Governor in deep anguish left the House.” Wrote Raj Bhavan on X.

Chief Minister MK Stalin termed the Governor's act as puerile.