Chaos erupted in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on its very first day as Governor RN Ravi stormed out, protesting what he called a blatant disrespect to the national anthem. The incident underscores ongoing tensions between the governor's office and the ruling DMK government led by Chief Minister MK Stalin.

Proceedings kicked off with the customary rendition of the state song, Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu. Governor Ravi, seated in the Speaker's chair, anticipated the national anthem to follow immediately, aligning with what he considers standard protocol in state legislatures nationwide. When it didn't, he addressed the house directly, labeling the omission "unfortunate" and a violation of constitutional duties. Despite microphone glitches, he reiterated his position before refusing to read the prepared address and exiting the chamber abruptly.

CM Stalin hit back sharply, accusing the governor of insulting the assembly and its elected representatives. The house passed a resolution deeming the governor's address as "read," a tactic employed in similar past confrontations. Speaker M Appavu defended the tradition of singing the state song first, with the national anthem reserved for the session's close—a practice followed for decades in Tamil Nadu.

This marks the third consecutive year of such high drama. In 2024 and 2025, Ravi had similarly curtailed or skipped addresses, citing content issues or procedural lapses. Raj Bhavan emphasized the governor's commitment to constitutional norms, while DMK leaders frame it as interference in state affairs by a BJP appointee.

Governor Ravi later voiced concerns over the speech's content, including "unsubstantiated allegations" and neglect of pressing issues like violence against Dalits. Political observers note parallels with governor-state clashes in Kerala and West Bengal, signaling deeper Centre-state frictions. As Tamil Nadu eyes future elections, this episode could sharpen regional divides.