Wed Jan 22 14:35:43 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker Walks Out of National Presiding Officers’ Meet
**Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu – January 22, 2025** – Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M. Appavu walked out of the 85th National Presiding Officers’ Meet in Patna to protest the refusal to record his criticism of the Tamil Nadu Governor’s actions. Appavu stated that his observations regarding the Governor’s “objectionable functioning,” which included unduly delaying bills passed by the Assembly and sending them to the President instead of giving assent, were factual. He argued that the Deputy Speaker of the Rajya Sabha, who has the authority to expunge remarks made by MPs, had no right to prevent the recording of his comments.
Appavu further criticized a University Grants Commission (UGC) proposal to grant Governors more power in appointing university Vice-Chancellors. He advocated for the Chief Minister to retain this role, emphasizing the state government’s financial responsibility for universities and the UGC’s limited influence beyond research grants.
Finally, the Speaker addressed the planned second airport in Parandur, asserting that it would not displace residents. He condemned ongoing protests as attempts to disrupt law and order in the area.
First Piper 