CPI Demands Explanation Over Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu's Lower Priority at TN CM's Swearing-In

The Communist Party of India on Sunday demanded an explanation from the Tamil Nadu government after 'Vande Mataram' was played ahead of the Tamil invocation 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' during Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's swearing-in ceremony at Lok Bhavan in Chennai. CPI state secretary M. Veerapandian said relegating the Tamil invocation to third position violated established protocol and undermined Tamil cultural identity.

Veerapandian stated that the Tamil invocation should be rendered first, followed by the national anthem, at all official functions, particularly during the oath-taking of newly elected MLAs. He emphasized that 'Vande Mataram', being a devotional song, cannot be equated with the national anthem and should not precede Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu.

The CPI leader urged the ruling Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam to uphold Tamil linguistic pride and ensure the incident is not repeated in future government events. He called for immediate clarification on who authorized the change in ceremonial order.

The Tamil Nadu government has not yet responded to the criticism. The next official function where the protocol will be observed is the first session of the newly elected Assembly, scheduled to begin on Tuesday.