Make 'Tamizh Thai Vazhthu' mandatory through law, says CPM's K Shanmugam

Amid the renewed controversy over the order in which Tamizh Thai Vazhthu is played at official functions in Tamil Nadu, CPI(M) state secretary K Shanmugam has called for a legislation making it mandatory for the state song to be sung first at all government events. Arguing that repeated disputes have exposed the need for a permanent solution, he said the issue should no longer be left to administrative discretion or protocol.

In an interview with The Federal, Shanmugam said the recurring row over Tamizh Thai Vazhthu has once again brought into focus the Governor's role, Centre-State relations and Tamil Nadu's cultural rights. He also renewed the party's long-pending demand for a separate law to tackle caste-based honour killings in the state.

'State song deserves priority'

According to Shanmugam, Tamil Nadu has consistently maintained that Tamizh Thai Vazhthu should be accorded primacy at official state functions. However, during the swearing-in ceremonies of Governors and newly elected governments, the sequence has typically followed Vande Mataram, the National Anthem, and only then Tamizh Thai Vazhthu, citing Union government protocol.

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"If a state has an officially recognised state song, it deserves to be sung first at official functions," he said, adding that the continuing controversy could be resolved only through legislation.

The issue resurfaced recently during the convocation ceremony at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, attended by Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, where Tamizh Thai Vazhthu was rendered third in the sequence. The order drew criticism from several political parties and Tamil organisations.

The controversy gained further traction as protesters argued that the sequence was disrespectful to Manonmaniam Sundaranar, who wrote the state song and after whom the university is named.

‘Governor’s directive’

Shanmugam alleged that the protocol followed during the convocation was dictated by the Governor's office. "The Governor has stubbornly insisted on conducting events in this manner. This deserves the strongest condemnation," he said.

While acknowledging that the Tamil Nadu government had registered its protest by staying away from the event through Higher Education Minister and other elected representatives, Shanmugam argued that symbolic protests alone would not prevent similar controversies in future.

Referring to State Education Minister Rajmohan's assurance that such incidents would not recur, he said, "As far as we are concerned, a permanent solution is required."

Push for honour killing law

Shanmugam also reiterated CPI(M)'s demand for a dedicated law against caste-based honour killings, a demand the party has been raising for nearly 15 years.

He alleged that successive governments had adopted inconsistent positions on the issue. While the AIADMK had maintained that honour killings did not occur in Tamil Nadu, the DMK has argued that separate legislation was unnecessary.

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He said the Justice K N Basha Commission, constituted to study the issue, should submit its recommendations without further delay.

"We certainly do not want a poorly drafted law. Although there has already been considerable delay, the legislation must comprehensively address every aspect of caste-based honour crimes," he said, adding that the state should move swiftly once the commission submits its report.

On supporting the TVK government

Responding to questions on why the CPI(M) is extending outside support to the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government instead of joining the Cabinet, Shanmugam said the party currently lacks the numerical strength to meaningfully influence policy from within the government.

"Participating in the Cabinet makes sense only when we have sufficient strength to influence its decisions. With only two MLAs, it is impossible to exercise meaningful influence over Cabinet decisions," he said.

Sceptical on Cauvery talks

Shanmugam also expressed doubts over the proposed meeting between Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on the Cauvery water-sharing dispute.

"I fail to see how the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's visit can produce any tangible benefit," he said, while maintaining that the state government should adopt a firmer stand on issues concerning Tamil Nadu's rights, including the Tamizh Thai Vazhthu controversy.

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His remarks come at a time when tensions between the Tamil Nadu government and the Governor have intensified over the conduct of official functions, even as political parties continue to press for greater assertion of the state's linguistic and cultural identity.