Chennai: Hours after various political parties criticised the recital of 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' after 'Vande Mataram' and the national anthem during the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjuna stated that the earlier practice of playing the Tamil invocation song first would be followed in future events.
TVK's Response to the Change in Sequence
In a social media post, Aadhav Arjuna said that TVK does not agree with 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' being played third. He remarked, "At the swearing-in ceremony presided over by Governor R V Arlekar, the Tamil invocation song was played after 'Vande Mataram' and the national anthem. This new practice is inappropriate for Tamil Nadu. We do not agree with this."
Arjuna further explained that when TVK sought the reason behind this change, "it was conveyed that the Governor, as the responsible authority, must act according to the new circular from the Union government." He added, "Accordingly, in an unavoidable situation, the Tamil invocation song was played as the third song. However, in the future, this new practice will not be followed. Instead, as per the earlier practice, the Tamil invocation song will be played at the beginning of the event, and the national anthem at the end."
Political Parties Express Opposition
Earlier, DMK, Dravidar Kazhagam, CPI, and Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) opposed 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' being played third and urged the new government to restore the practice followed in Tamil Nadu government functions. CPI state secretary M Veerapandian stated, "The practice followed in Tamil Nadu since Independence was to begin official functions with 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' and conclude with the national anthem. The change in sequence was made following instructions from Lok Bhavan. It is a violation of established state protocol."
The controversy highlights the sensitivity around Tamil cultural symbols and the state's longstanding traditions. The assurance from TVK aims to address concerns and reaffirm the state's protocol in official ceremonies.
