Speaking to news agency ANI, L Murugan said, “What happened in the Tamil Nadu assembly today is a shame for us. The DMK government once again proved that they are anti-national. The DMK government proved that they have always been anti-constitutional.”
#WATCH | Delhi: Union Minister L Murugan says, ” What happened in the Tamil Nadu assembly today is a shame for us. The DMK government once again proved that they are anti-national. The DMK government proved that they have always been anti-constitutional… The Governor also… https://t.co/d916ymbEF9 pic.twitter.com/CNWsF7Qg8f
— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2025
He emphasised that the rendition of the national anthem at the legislative assembly’s inaugural session is an inviolable tradition.
“The governor also mentioned that the national anthem must be sung, but the house leader and CM MK Stalin, as well as the speaker, refused to sing the national anthem. This is a violation of the Constitution of India. The DMK government does not have faith in the Constitution and Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar…” Murugan added.
“Congress leaders always keep a constitutional book to take to the functions, so what happened in the Tamil Nadu assembly today, whether they are going to question the DMK functionaries,” he further added.
Earlier in the day, Governor R N Ravi did not deliver his customary address during the assembly’s opening session, citing a serious issue concerning the National Anthem, ANI reported.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi leaves from the Secretariat as he boycotts Governor annual address
The winter session of the Tamil Nadu Assembly began today. pic.twitter.com/Nm7HCd2dK0
— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2025
According to an official statement from Raj Bhawan, only the Tamil Nadu state anthem, “Tamil Tai Vazhdu” was sung upon the Governor’s arrival at the assembly instead of the National Anthem.
“The Constitution of Bharat and the National Anthem were once again insulted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly today. Respecting the National Anthem is among the first fundamental duties as enshrined in our Constitution. It is sung in all the state legislatures at the beginning and the end of the governor’s address,” read his statement.
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Ravi expressed his dismay and reminded the assembly of its constitutional duty to sing the national anthem. However, his appeals were met with refusal, prompting him to leave the assembly.
“Governor respectfully reminded the House of its Constitutional Duty and fervently appealed to the Hon’ble Chief Minister who is the Leader of the House and the Hon’ble Speaker for singing 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,” the statement added.
Soon after he left, the AIADMK began to protest the alleged sexual assault of an Anna University student. The speaker instructed marshals to remove the protesting MLAs.
The PMK and BJP also staged a walkout over the Anna University sexual assault case.
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