TN Guv Expresses Satisfaction Over Uninterrupted Assembly Address After 3 Years

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Thursday expressed immense satisfaction that his address to the Assembly was read without any disruption for the first time after nearly three years. Also, he noted that the National Anthem was rendered both at the commencement and at the conclusion of his speech to the maiden session of the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, which began today.

This is also the first session of the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government under Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.

"I am delighted to convey to the people that today marks the dawning of a new era in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly," Governor Arlekar said.

"It brings immense satisfaction that, after a hiatus of three years, the Governor's address was read in its entirety within the House without any disruption today. Furthermore, for the very first time, the National Anthem was rendered both at the commencement of the session and at the conclusion of the Governor's address," he said on 'X'.

The governor was apparently referring to the alleged confrontation between the previous DMK regime and his predecessor, R N Ravi, who in 2024 declined to read out the full text prepared by the then DMK government, skipped portions he reportedly disagreed with and walked out of the Assembly House.

He refused to read the prepared address in 2025, citing an insult to the National Anthem because the session began with the Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu instead and then again in 2026, Ravi walked out of the Assembly within minutes, claiming the official text contained misleading statements on state investments and that his microphone was turned off.

The then Chief Minister M K Stalin criticised Ravi and demanded his recall and removal.

In his social media post, Arlekar said, "It is no exaggeration to say that this historic event stands as a testament to upholding the dignity of democracy, successfully fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Tamil Nadu who desire a harmonious relationship between the State Government and the Governor's office (Lok Bhavan)."

In a democracy, an administration must function with the objective of fostering an integrated and harmonious relationship across all quarters, thereby fulfilling the needs and expectations of its citizens to serve as a stable and exemplary government, the Governor said.

"It is deeply gratifying that we have all begun our collective journey toward this very goal," Arlekar said.

The session commenced at 10 am for the customary address by the Governor with the rendition of 'Tamil Thaai Vazhthu' followed by the National Anthem - a break from the House convention where the National Anthem is usually rendered at the conclusion of the Governor's address. This time, the National Anthem was played at the end of the Governor's speech, which lasted for about 37 minutes.

In his address, Arlekar quoted former Chief Minister and Dravidian stalwart C N Annadurai, saying "people are the true masters of the nation."

Amid great expectations, the people of Tamil Nadu have chosen the government led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay by overcoming money power, muscle power and the power of authority. "It is the duty of this government to fulfil the people's expectations," he said in his address.

The Tamil version of his speech was read out by Assembly Speaker J C D Prabhakar.

Arlekar left the House after greeting the Chief Minister, Leader of the Opposition DMK Udhayanidhi Stalin, and the members.