Lok Bhavan lists reasons why Governor R N Ravi declined to address TN assembly

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi stormed out of the state legislative assembly on Tuesday, alleging that the speech that was to be read out by him in the House and prepared by state govt contained “unsubstantiated claims and ignored crucial issues”. Minutes after the high drama in the state assembly, Lok Bhavan released a statement, detailing 13 reasons for governor's refusal to read the speech, asserting his microphone was repeatedly switched off and he was disallowed from addressing the assembly.

The statement alleged that the national anthem was again “insulted”, and the fundamental constitutional duty was “disregarded” in the legislature. It countered govt’s claim of attracting Rs 12 lakh crore in investments, stating the reality was far from it. Many MoUs with prospective investors remained only on paper, with actual investment being a fraction, the statement said. “Investment data shows that Tamil Nadu is becoming less attractive,” it said, adding that the state was struggling to remain the sixth largest recipient of foreign direct investment.


The governor's office alleged that MSME sectors were under huge stress due to visible and invisible costs. Entrepreneurs from Tamil Nadu were reportedly forced to relocate their enterprises in other states, an issue completely ignored by the govt, said the Lok Bhavan press release. Despite enormous potential for growth, TN had only about four million registered MSMEs, compared to more than 55 million in the country, it said.

There was a steady decline in education standards and widespread mismanagement in educational institutions, adversely affecting future of youth, the release said. More than 50% of faculty positions were vacant for years, and guest faculties were restive, it said. “Our youth are staring at an uncertain future. It does not seem to bother the govt and the issue is totally bypassed,” it added.

The Lok Bhavan accused govt of ignoring women's safety, adding there was an alarming increase of more than 55% in POCSO cases and more than 33% in incidents of molestation of women. The rampant prevalence of narcotics and drugs, and a sharp increase in drug abuse cases among youth were cited as serious concerns, it said. “Over 2,000, mostly youth, committed suicide in one year due to drug abuse. It is seriously jeopardising our future. It is casually bypassed,” the statement said.

Lok Bhavan said several issues were being bypassed, including increasing atrocities against dalits and sexual violence against dalit women. “Nowhere else in the country, the situation is so alarming. TN is being referred as the suicide capital of India,” the statement said.