Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony becomes the focus of a political dispute after the state invocation song was played after the national song and anthem. Multiple outlets report that “Vande Mataram” was played first, the National Anthem followed, and “Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu” was played third. Opposition CPI state secretary M. Veerapandian argues this reverses long-standing convention observed in government functions, where the state song is typically rendered first. He calls for a public explanation and says the practice should be restored, including during oath-taking by newly elected MLAs.
The dispute is not limited to the opposition. The ruling TVK also responds to the controversy. According to reports, TVK distances itself from the decision and points to a “new Union government circular” as the reason for the altered order of songs. Overall, outlets describe the matter as a protocol change that overshadowed Vijay’s first day as CM, with parties calling for clarification and a return to the previous sequence.
