Tamil Nadu Govt, DMK Clash Over Anthem Order at Oath Ceremony

Tamil Nadu's newly sworn-in government led by Chief Minister Vijay and the opposition DMK have engaged in a sharp political dispute over the order of songs played during the oath-taking ceremony, where 'Vande Mataram' was performed before 'Jana Gana Mana' and the Tamil state anthem. The DMK and several allied parties condemned the sequence, asserting that tradition dictates the Tamil anthem be played first, followed by the national anthem at the end.

DMK leader TKS Elangovan stated the deviation from established practice showed the TVK government was aligning with the BJP, citing the unusual placement of 'Vande Mataram' at the start. He accused the administration of undermining Tamil identity and said the issue would be raised publicly. Parties including the CPM, CPI, VCK, and MDMK echoed the demand to uphold the customary order of the anthems.

The TVK has deflected responsibility, stating the musical arrangements were determined by the Governor's office, not the state government. No formal complaint or legal action has been filed, but political rhetoric has intensified. The Tamil Nadu Assembly is expected to convene next week, where the issue may be raised again.