Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Assembly’s monsoon session is set to begin on June 18, with Governor Rajendra Arlekar scheduled to deliver the customary inaugural address. However, political attention is expected to centre on the controversy surrounding the order of rendering Tamil Thai Vazhthu, Vande Mataram and the National Anthem at official government functions.
The issue gained traction after Tamil Thai Vazhthu was reportedly rendered after Vande Mataram and the National Anthem during the swearing-in ceremony and subsequent cabinet expansion of the government led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.
The DMK and its allies have strongly objected to the move, arguing that Tamil Thai Vazhthu, regarded as a symbol of Tamil identity and cultural pride, should retain its traditional place at the beginning of official state functions.
Opposition parties have accused the government of undermining the status of the state anthem, while the ruling dispensation has maintained that it is examining the legal and procedural aspects of the issue. Sources said the government has sought clarity on guidelines issued by the Union Home Ministry regarding the protocol for official ceremonies.
The controversy comes amid renewed debates across southern states over ceremonial practices at government events. A similar discussion had recently surfaced in Kerala over the rendition of a shortened version of Vande Mataram during Assembly proceedings.
With political parties gearing up for a heated debate, the June 18 session is expected to witness sharp exchanges on the anthem protocol issue, alongside discussions on the government’s policy agenda and legislative business.
