COIMBATORE: The convocation ceremonies at the ESI Medical College and the Coimbatore Medical College on Saturday were marked by the playing of songs from films starring actor-turned-politician Vijay, along with campaign tracks associated with his party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), sparking a controversy. Ministers K G Arunraj, V Sampath Kumar, and K Vignesh, along with district collector Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar, were among those who participated in the events.
Song selection raises eyebrows
Before the proceedings began, the songs “Raavana Mavanda” and “Oru Pere Varalaru” from Vijay’s yet-to-be-released film Jana Nayagan were played. As students approached the stage one by one to receive their degrees, the TVK campaign song “Na thannanthani aalu” and a viral TVK campaign background music were played at a very high volume. When health minister Arunraj was leaving after his address, a TVK party song was played in the background. Additionally, other Vijay movie songs and the track “Make way for the King” from Allu Arjun’s film Raaka, whose edited versions were widely used for Vijay's campaigns, were also played.
Public backlash on social media
The incident sparked a controversy, with many netizens stating that there was no discipline at government events. “This is no govt, and the administration has become a matter of joke,” a social media user remarked. The criticism highlights concerns over the politicization of official functions, particularly those involving educational institutions.
Government officials present
The convocations were attended by key state ministers and the district collector, who did not publicly comment on the song selection. The ESI Medical College and the Coimbatore Medical College are prominent public institutions, and the use of party-affiliated music during official ceremonies has drawn sharp reactions from the public.
