‘Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu’ relegated to third place at Vijay swearing-in sparks political row

The 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' (invocation), traditionally rendered at the commencement of government events here, was sung third after 'Vande Mataram' and 'Jana Gana Mana' at the ceremony where Joseph C Vijay took oath as CM of Tamil Nadu on Sunday. The precedence given to 'Vande Mataram' and 'Jana Gana Mana' over the 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' has triggered a controversy in the state, with CPI state secretary M Veerapandian, whose party, along with CPI(M), VCK and IUML, extended support to the TVK in forming the government, condemning the decision to relegate the 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' to third place. He demanded an explanation from the state government, stating that the Tamil invocation has traditionally been sung at the beginning of government functions and should be given due importance. He also said that such a mistake should not be repeated in the future. PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss, in a statement, also called upon the state government to ensure due importance is given to the 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' in all official events and functions. VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan also condemned the incident. 'Vande Mataram' and 'Jana Gana Mana' were rendered before the 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' at the swearing-in ceremony of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office to Vijay at the gala event. Similarly, the 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' was also placed third at the swearing-in of TVK legislator M V Karuppaiah, elected from the Sholavandan Assembly constituency, as pro-tem Speaker.

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