Tamil Nadu CM Swearing-In Ceremony Sparks Controversy Over National Songs

Chief Minister Joseph Vijay's swearing-in ceremony in Tamil Nadu has sparked a controversy over the order of national songs played. According to the Union Home Ministry protocols issued in February, Vande Mataram must be performed before the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana. However, some politicians have raised objections to the order in which the national song 'Vande Mataram', the national anthem, and the Tamil anthem, 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu', were played.

The rules state that when both Vande Mataram and the national anthem are played, Vande Mataram must be performed first, followed by the national anthem. The official six-stanza version of the national anthem must be played at government functions, including flag-hoisting and events attended by the President and state governors.

Tamil Nadu CPI Secretary M Veerapandiyan and TVK leader Aadhav Arjuna have criticized the protocol, calling it inappropriate and a violation of established convention. They have urged the newly formed TVK government to ensure that 'Thamizhthai Vaazhthu' is sung first at the first session of the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.

The controversy is likely to be addressed in the upcoming session of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, with the opposition parties expected to raise the issue. The state government has not yet responded to the criticism, but TVK leaders have stated that Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu would henceforth be given precedence at future state functions.