New Delhi: In a move which could further deteriorate the ties between Tamil Nadu governor R.N. Ravi and chief minister M.K. Stalin, the former on Monday walked out of the first session of the legislative assembly even before the national anthem was played after abruptly ending his speech, The Times of India reported. In his four-minute address, Ravi said, “It is my honour to deliver the inaugural address of the legislative assembly for the year 2024 in this august House. I extend my warm greetings to everyone for the New Year, and I wish that this year brings more happiness, prosperity, and well-being to everyone. I commence my address by recalling the immortal words of saint Thiruvalluvar, which encapsulate the vision of this government for the state.” He read out Kural, “Pinniyinmai selvam vilaivinbam emam aniyenba nattirkiv ainthu.” Further, translating it into English, he said, “Absence of disease, plenty in harvest, wealth, general happiness and security, these five are the jewels of a country.”Also read: RN Ravi ‘Not Fit to Be Governor in Any State or Union Territory’: N Ram“This address has numerous passages with which I convincingly disagree on factual and moral grounds. Me lending my voice to them could constitute a constitutional travesty, hence with respect to the House, I conclude my address. Wish this House a productive and healthy discussion for the good of the people. Vaazhga Tamil Nadu, Vaazhaga Bharatam, Jai Hind, Jai Bharat, Nandri,” Ravi added, as per a report published in The Indian Express. Further, the governor alleged that the Tamil Nadu Assembly had repeatedly ignored his request to play the national anthem before and after the address. He underlined “show due respect to the national anthem”. As per The News Minute report, it is a custom in the southern state to sing the ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’, a song of praise to the Tamil language at the beginning of Assembly sessions and end the session with national anthem. While Ravi refused to continue reading the customary address prepared for him, Tamil Nadu assembly Speaker M. Appavu read out the Tamil version of the speech.According to The Times of India report, as the speaker made certain remarks, Ravi left with his staff even after the speaker reminded him in Tamil that the national anthem was to be played. The members in treasury and opposition benches, including BJP MLAs, remained in the Assembly till the end of the session. The last year’s episode In the last year’s inaugural budget session, Ravi omitted portions on Ambedkar, Dravidian leaders, the Dravidian model of governance and on the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu from his speech. This gesture was condemned by the Stalin-led government. Further, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) moved a resolution which irked the governor and he walked out of the Assembly before the national anthem was played in the end, The News Minute reported. Past conflicts In January 2023, the DMK government in Tamil Nadu protested against Ravi as the PTI quoted him saying, “Here in Tamil Nadu, a different kind of narrative has been created. Everything applicable for the whole of the country, Tamil Nadu will say no. It has become a habit. So many theses have been written – all false and poor fiction. This must be broken. Truth must prevail.” Last year, the governor also objected to the state administration’s use of the term “ondriya arasu” to refer to the Union government, according to a report published in The Indian Express.