Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Thursday witnessed the smooth conduct of proceedings during the Governor’s Address for the first time in four years, following a significant change in the convention governing the rendition of the National Anthem. The development marked a departure from previous years when disagreements between the Governor and the state government had led to disruptions during the customary address.
The session proceeded without controversy after the newly formed TVK-led government under Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay decided to play the National Anthem both at the beginning and conclusion of the Assembly proceedings.
The move effectively resolved a longstanding point of contention between the Raj Bhavan and the Assembly over established House conventions.
Convention changed to avoid dispute
Under the previous practice followed in the Assembly, the National Anthem was rendered only at the end of the Governor’s Address proceedings. However, former Governor R N Ravi had repeatedly objected to the convention and maintained that the National Anthem should be played both at the commencement and conclusion of the session.
The disagreement had led to tense exchanges on multiple occasions during the previous administration. Earlier this year, Ravi had walked out of the Assembly after objecting to then Speaker M Appavu’s decision to continue with the existing convention.
On Thursday, the Assembly adopted a revised approach. Following the rendition of the Tamil invocation song, Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu, the National Anthem was played at the beginning of the session and again at its conclusion.
The decision ensured that the Governor’s Address proceeded smoothly without any disruption.
Governor welcomes the development
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar expressed satisfaction over the conduct of the proceedings and described the occasion as a significant moment for the Assembly.
In a statement issued through Raj Bhavan shortly after the address, the Governor noted that the National Anthem was rendered both at the commencement and conclusion of the session for the first time.
He described the development as an important step towards preserving democratic values and fostering a harmonious relationship between the state government and the Governor’s office.
Arlekar also stated that he was pleased that the Governor’s Address had been delivered in its entirety within the Assembly without interruption after a gap of several years.
Emphasis on cooperation and harmony
The Governor stressed the importance of maintaining cordial relations between constitutional institutions and elected governments in a democratic system.
According to the statement, an effective administration requires cooperation and mutual respect among all stakeholders to fulfil the aspirations and expectations of citizens.
He expressed hope that the smooth conduct of the proceedings would mark the beginning of a more collaborative phase in the functioning of the state’s democratic institutions.
Speaker defends revised arrangement
Responding to questions regarding the change in practice, Assembly Speaker J C D Prabhakar said there was nothing inappropriate about rendering the National Anthem twice during the proceedings.
He emphasised that the Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu continued to retain its place at the beginning of the session and that the revised arrangement did not undermine established traditions.
The Speaker’s remarks reflected the government’s attempt to balance state traditions with constitutional protocols while ensuring the smooth functioning of the Assembly.
New chapter in Assembly proceedings
The uninterrupted Governor’s Address is being viewed as a positive development in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, where relations between the Governor’s office and the state government had previously witnessed periods of friction.
Observers believe the decision to modify the convention helped avoid a repeat of earlier controversies and allowed the focus to remain on the government’s legislative agenda.
With both the state government and Raj Bhavan expressing satisfaction over the proceedings, Thursday’s session is being seen as the beginning of a more cooperative relationship between the two institutions.