NEW DELHI: TVK chief Vijay took oath as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday in a grand ceremony marked by immense star power, with thousands of fans attending the event. Known popularly as Thalapathy, Vijay's swearing-in was a spectacle, but what caught everyone's attention was the order of the programme. It began with 'Vande Mataram' rather than the state's official song 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu', which has traditionally been the practice.
A Shift in Protocol
The decision to start with the national song is seen as a deliberate message to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It aligns with the Union home ministry's directive mandating the playing of the full version of 'Vande Mataram' at formal and government events. The ceremony proceeded with the national song, followed by the national anthem, and only then 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu'. Standing next to Vijay during the event was Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who has been vocal in criticising the Centre's allegations that the Congress, under Jawaharlal Nehru, had omitted verses of 'Vande Mataram' to fuel communal tensions.
Contrast with West Bengal
Interestingly, the same protocol was not observed at the oath-taking ceremony of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, which took place on Saturday. That event was historic as it marked the first time a BJP government was formed in West Bengal. It was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and other dignitaries.
Cabinet Approves Amendment
Earlier this week, the Union Cabinet approved a proposal to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, placing 'Vande Mataram' on par with the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana'. Currently, the law prescribes imprisonment, fines, or both for insults to the Indian National Flag, the Constitution of India, or obstruction of the national anthem. Under the new proposal, violations involving 'Vande Mataram' would also become a cognisable offence. This move coincides with the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram'.
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