Chennai, June 8: The Tamil Nadu Assembly session will commence on June 18. On the first day, Governor Rajendra Arlekar will address the assembly members, following tradition. However, discussions have intensified regarding whether the proceedings will proceed without controversy or if a new dispute will arise between the Governor’s office and the state government over the national anthem, “Vande Mataram,” and the Tamil state song, “Thamizh Thaai Vaazhthu.”
What was once considered a standard constitutional formality has turned into a politically sensitive issue in Tamil Nadu in recent years. During the tenure of former Governor R.N. Ravi, there were several disputes regarding the Governor’s address in the assembly, particularly concerning national symbols and the traditions of government programs.
One of R.N. Ravi’s main objections was how the national anthem was presented during government programs and assembly proceedings. This issue has resurfaced under the leadership of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s TVK government. The controversy revolves around the order in which various songs are played at government events.
On May 10, during the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister Vijay and his ministers, “Vande Mataram” and the national anthem were played before “Thamizh Thaai Vaazhthu.” The same order was followed during a subsequent cabinet expansion ceremony.
Opposition parties, particularly the DMK and some of its allies, have criticized this arrangement. They argue that “Thamizh Thaai Vaazhthu” should be given a prominent place at the beginning of government programs, as it traditionally has.
Opposition leaders have accused the state government of undermining Tamil cultural identity and sidelining the state song.
Following recent events in the neighboring state of Kerala, anticipation for the June 18 proceedings has heightened. In May, during the inaugural session of the Kerala Assembly, only a brief version of “Vande Mataram” was played before and after the Governor’s address. Reports indicate that both the Kerala Governor and Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar objected to this.
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan stated that no law mandates the full version of “Vande Mataram” to be played and that the state has been following a long-standing tradition.
Tamil Nadu government minister Aadhav Arjun has stated that the state government has raised this issue with the Governor and is considering legal options regarding a circular issued by the central Home Ministry in January.
The state government asserts that the circular does not prohibit the presentation of state songs like “Thamizh Thaai Vaazhthu” at the beginning of government programs.
This issue was also raised by Chief Minister Vijay during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on May 27. Reports suggest he requested clarification or amendments to the central government’s guidelines to ensure that state songs, including “Thamizh Thaai Vaazhthu,” retain their traditional place in government events.
Amidst all these developments, the Governor’s address on June 18 is expected to be significant. Public attention will not only be on the government’s legislative agenda but also on whether the ongoing protocol dispute has been resolved or if a new clash between the Governor’s office and the state government will emerge.
–
Leave a Comment