Stalin Pushes to End Governor’s Address in State Assemblies

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced plans to seek a constitutional amendment that would abolish the traditional practice of the Governor delivering an address at the beginning of each new session of state legislative assemblies. In a strongly worded post on X, Stalin described the convention as “obsolete and irrelevant” and accused Governors of acting as “party agents” who deliberately undermine elected state governments and federal principles.

The move follows a series of high-profile confrontations between Governors and opposition-ruled states. Stalin pointed to recent incidents in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and now Karnataka, where Governors have refused to read speeches prepared by the state governments or walked out mid-address. He argued that these actions have turned a ceremonial tradition into a recurring political flashpoint, eroding the dignity of legislative proceedings and democratic governance.

The controversy intensified in Tamil Nadu earlier this week when Governor R.N. Ravi abruptly walked out of the Assembly during his inaugural address. The Governor later claimed he was disrespected because the national anthem was not played and alleged his microphone was switched off. In response, Assembly Speaker M. Appavu reminded the Governor of established conventions, leading to heated exchanges. Raj Bhavan defended the walkout, accusing the state government of omitting references to key social issues in the prepared speech, while opposition AIADMK members staged a walkout over law-and-order concerns.

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Stalin emphasized that the DMK would initiate consultations with like-minded opposition parties across the country to build consensus for the proposed amendment. He intends to pursue the change during the upcoming session of Parliament, framing it as a necessary reform to protect federalism and prevent Governors from interfering in the functioning of elected governments.

The proposal has sparked wider debate on the role of Governors in India’s federal structure. Critics of the current system argue that the practice, inherited from colonial times, is outdated in a mature democracy, while supporters maintain it upholds constitutional propriety and provides a platform for broader policy articulation.

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