Tamil anthem row: Aadhav Arjuna offers explanation, says TVK govt will follow old practice

A day after the relegation of Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu (Tamil Nadu state anthem), traditionally rendered at the commencement of government events in Tamil Nadu, to the third position after Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana at Chief Minister Joseph C Vijay’s oath-taking ceremony on Sunday (May 10) sparked a row, new MLA and minister Aadhav Arjuna posted a lengthy explanation on social media.

He said the Tamil invocation song is the first to be played at events in Tamil Nadu, including government functions, while the national anthem is played at the end of the event. “That is the usual practice; the appropriate practice. The new government in Tamil Nadu, formed under the leadership of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, has no differing opinion on this established practice,” he asserted.

TVK government will follow predecessors

He explained that since the swearing-in ceremony was presided over by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, the decision was taken by the latter’s team. “When we pressed the Governor’s side on this matter, it was conveyed that the Governor, as the responsible authority, must act according to the new circular from the Union government. Accordingly, in an unavoidable situation, the Tamil invocation song was played as the third song,” he added.

Also read: Full 6-stanza Vande Mataram played at Vijay’s swearing-in, could spark protocol debate

Arjuna claimed that in 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”.

Opposition from allies

On Sunday, the precedence given to Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana over Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu triggered a controversy in the state, with CPI state secretary M Veerapandian, whose party, along with the CPI(M), VCK, and IUML, extended support to the TVK in forming the government, condemning the decision.

He demanded an explanation from the state government, stating that the Tamil invocation has traditionally been sung at the beginning of government functions and should be given due importance. He also said that such a mistake should not be repeated in the future.

Also read: 'Unconstitutional, undemocratic': AIMPLB slams govt's move on 'Vande Mataram'

PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss, in a statement, also called upon the state government to ensure due importance is given to the Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu in all official events and functions.

VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan also condemned the incident.