Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M Appavu walked out of the 85th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference in Patna on Monday, accusing Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi of disrespecting the state, its people, and the state legislature.
Appavu voiced concerns over what he described as the Governor’s “deeply worrying” activities. He cited multiple commissions’ recommendations on the appointment of Governors and argued that the state legislature should have the power to remove the Governor through a resolution. He also called for the deletion of the clause in Article 156 of the Constitution that states, “The Governor shall hold office during the pleasure of the President.”
His comments were met with opposition from Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Harivansh Narayan, who objected to Appavu’s remarks, stating they would not be recorded in the meeting minutes. Harivansh also cautioned Appavu to refrain from speaking about the Governor in such a manner. In response, Appavu, visibly frustrated, declared, “If I cannot speak about this in this conference, then where else can I speak?” before staging a walkout.
Appavu was addressing the conference on the topic ‘75th anniversary of the Constitution: Contribution of Parliament and State Legislative Bodies in Strengthening Constitutional Values.’ He raised concerns about governors’ interference in state governance beyond their constitutional roles, accusing Ravi of violating constitutional principles, particularly for bypassing his customary annual address to the Assembly.
Appavu also pointed out that the increasing meddling by Governors in state matters had compromised state autonomy and federalism. He criticised the Union government’s “step-motherly attitude” towards state governments and highlighted the arbitrary power of the University Grants Commission (UGC) over state-run universities, calling it a violation of the federal system.
The Speaker expressed his frustration with the Governor’s actions, saying they hindered the democratically elected government’s ability to fulfill social welfare programs and constitutional duties. “Such actions of the Governor impede the Legislature’s contribution to strengthening constitutional values,” Appavu said.