TVK blames governor for Vande Mataram priority: Not suitable for Tamil Nadu

Amid the row over Vande Mataram being played before the Tamil anthem and the national anthem at Vijay’s oath-taking ceremony in Tamil Nadu, the Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) clarified that the sequence was followed as per directions from the Governor’s office. TVK minister Aadhav Arjuna stressed that the long-standing practice of playing the Tamil anthem first, followed by the national anthem last would continue.

“At the swearing-in ceremony of the Chief Minister and other ministers, held under the leadership of the Acting Governor of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar, first Vande Mataram, then the national anthem, and thirdly Tamil greeting was played. This new practice is not suitable for Tamil Nadu,” Arjuna said in a social media post.

TVK’s reaction came after two of its coalition allies — CPI and VCK — among others, questioned the move and sought clarification.

Stressing that the new government does not support the Tamil anthem being played last, TVK said, “When we stressed this to the Governor, it was informed that the Governor has the responsibility to act according to the new circular of the Union Government.”

“In this unavoidable situation, the Tamil Thai Vaazhthu was played as the third song. However, this new practice will not be followed in the future,” the party clarified.

The precedence given to Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana over the Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu has sparked a political row in the state, with even TVK allies CPI and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) publicly questioning the move.

CPI state secretary M Veerapandian condemned the decision and sought an explanation from the state government, saying the Tamil invocation has traditionally been sung at the beginning of government functions and should be accorded due importance.

VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan also criticised the move in a strongly worded letter, calling it “deeply shocking and disturbing.” “We find it impossible to attribute this occurrence to mere oversight or negligence,” Thirumavalavan said, while demanding a public clarification from Vijay.

PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss, an ally of the AIADMK-led NDA, also urged the state government to ensure due importance is accorded to the Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu at all official events and functions.