Fresh friction between Governors and elected governments surfaced in Tamil Nadu and Kerala on Tuesday (20 January) as disputes over constitutional addresses dominated the opening of the year’s first Assembly sessions in both States.
In Tamil Nadu, Governor RN Ravi walked out of the Legislative Assembly without delivering his customary address, triggering a sharp confrontation with the House.
As proceedings began, Speaker M Appavu urged the Governor to follow established conventions and read only the address approved by the State Cabinet. Intervening amid objections, the Speaker asserted, “Only MLAs can express opinion in the House, no one else.”
Governor Ravi responded from the well of the House, calling the interruption “unfortunate” and expressing displeasure over the conduct of the proceedings. “I am disappointed.
The National Anthem was not given due respect,” he said, before exiting the House without formally delivering the address. He also claimed that his microphone was repeatedly switched off.
Later, Lok Bhavan issued a statement alleging that the prepared address contained “numerous unsubstantiated claims and misleading statements,” disputing the State government’s claim of attracting over ₹12 lakh crore in investments. “Many of the MOUs with prospective investors remain only on paper,” the statement said, adding that “National Anthem is yet again insulted and the fundamental Constitutional duty disregarded.”
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan returned to the House to announce that the Governor had modified several Cabinet-approved paragraphs. He said paragraphs 12, 15 and 16 were either altered or omitted, including references to fiscal federalism and pending Bills.
Stressing constitutional convention, Mr. Vijayan said, “The Governor addresses the Legislative Assembly at the start of the first session of a year. Since the Governor presents the policy of the State government in the House, paragraphs 12, 15 and 16 as approved by the Cabinet will prevail.”
The twin episodes underline growing tensions between Raj Bhavans and State governments over the scope and substance of Governors’ constitutional roles.
