T.N. Assembly: True motive of Governor Ravi is not known, says Minister Duraimurugan

Ravi’s action of not completing his customary speech in the Assembly has led to questions over the Governor’s real motive, veteran legislator and Leader of the House Duraimurugan said on Monday. Maintaining that the people of Tamil Nadu and members of the House have always had great respect for India and its national anthem, he said: “This government has great respect for the country’s integration, patriotism, and national leaders.” As per Article 176 of the Constitution, the Governor is supposed to address the Assembly and inform the Legislature of the causes and its summons, Mr. Duraimurugan said: “But, our Governor is acting against the Constitution, which is not good.” Recalling an incident in 1995, when the then State government passed a resolution to recall the then Governor M. Chenna Reddy, the Leader of the House said: “Even then, Governor read the customary speech as prepared by the government.” Respect for post Late DMK leader and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, despite his position on the post of Governor, maintained his respect for those holding it, Mr. Duraimurugan added. But, our Chief Minister, who walks in the footsteps of the late Kalaignar, suggested we stick to tradition and facilitate the Governor’s address,” he said. The Leader of the House went on to quote former President Ram Nath Kovind, who in his message on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in August 2021, said: “Much of the richness of Indian democracy is derived from the Tamil Nadu Legislature and is appreciated all across the world.” Mr. Duraimurugan said: “It is our responsibility to protect the pride of this august House from diminishing.” Recalling the Governor’s behaviour last year over the national anthem and, eventually, the reply sent to him by the Speaker, Mr. Duraimurugan said the Governor had also not read out his speech this year over the same issue and his real motive was questionable.