Governor, Restrain Thyself

A Governor is not above the elected government, especially when the position is often a political appointment by the Centre. It is imperative that such high posts are exercised with restraint, respect, and constitutional propriety

Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi has not covered himself in glory by walking out of the State Assembly, citing an alleged insult to the "Constitution of Bharat" and the national anthem. He should have known that the statute is officially referred to as the "Constitution of India, that is Bharat." His actions stemmed from the fact that before his customary address in the Assembly's first session of the year, the state song Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu was sung instead of the national anthem. The anthem was scheduled to be sung after his speech, but instead of waiting, he walked out of the House without reading the speech prepared by the government. Previously, he had either refused to read certain portions of the address or deliver his speech.