Chennai, Jan 11: The onus of responsibility in respect of the content of Governor’s address is on the Chief Minister and his Council of Ministers and the duty of the Governor is only to read out the prepared text, Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M Appavu said on Wednesday in the House.
Giving his ruling on MLAs-belonging to parties including the Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the Left-raising slogans during Governor R N Ravi’s customary address to the House on January 9, Appavu said the microphone on such occasions is provided only to the Governor and no one else.
The Governor has a right to address the House and no hindrance shall be caused. Citing relevant rules, he said members shall comply with it. On that day, the legislators, aired their views and there was no ‘dharna’ or any untoward incidents.
The Speaker said slogan shouting should have been, however, avoided and in future they must steer clear of it.
Appavu recalled past instances (1998 and 2011) witnessed in the House when Governors of the day were present. During the previous AIADMK regime (1991-96), rules were relaxed and critical remarks were made against the then Governor M Channa Reddy.
However, when (late DMK patriarch) M Karunanidhi returned as Chief Minister (1996-2001) rules were amended to ensure that there was no discussion or remarks vis-a-vis the Governor, President and Judges. (PTI)
