Chennai: A controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu over the order in which state and national anthems were performed at the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, with opposition leaders and allied parties criticising the placement of the traditional Tamil invocation.

At the event held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, “Vande Mataram” and “Jana Gana Mana” were rendered before the “Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu”, which is traditionally sung at the commencement of official government functions in the state. The Tamil invocation was performed third, following the two national songs.

 

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office to Vijay at the ceremony, which marked the formation of the new government.

The deviation from established protocol has drawn sharp criticism from several political leaders. CPI state secretary M. Veerapandian, whose party along with CPI(M), VCK and IUML has extended support to the TVK-led government, condemned the decision to place the Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu after the national songs. He sought an explanation from the state government, stating that the Tamil invocation holds cultural and procedural importance and should have been given precedence.

Veerapandian further urged the government to ensure that such deviations are not repeated in future official events.

PMK founder Dr S. Ramadoss also issued a statement calling for the Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu to be accorded due importance at all government functions, emphasising its traditional status in Tamil Nadu ceremonies.

VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan also criticised the arrangement, adding to the growing political backlash over the issue.

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The same sequencing—placing “Vande Mataram” and “Jana Gana Mana” before the Tamil invocation—was also reportedly followed at the swearing-in of TVK MLA M. V. Karuppaiah, who was appointed pro-tem Speaker after being elected from the Sholavandan Assembly constituency.