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Tamil Nadu swearing-in ceremony sparks row over song order as Vijay becomes CM
During Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thalapathy Vijay's swearing-in, the state song Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu was performed third behind Vande Mataram and the National Anthem, triggering a political row. The controversy drew responses from CPI and TVK, and coincided with a Union Cabinet move to amend a national-honor act to elevate Vande Mataram's status.
Why It Matters
The event tests long-standing ceremonial traditions in Tamil Nadu and intersects with national debates on symbolic honors and the status of Vande Mataram, potentially affecting state politics and national-symbol norms.
Timeline
5 Events
Raj Bhavan instructions cited as influencing the order
May 11, 2026
Citing remarks attributed to Raj Bhavan, Veerapandiyan claimed that instructions from the Governor's side directed the new order, with a pledge that the Tamil invocation would be played third in the ceremony. He suggested the new practice would not be followed in the future.
Union Cabinet approves amendment to place Vande Mataram on par with Jana Gana Mana
May 11, 2026
The Union Cabinet approved a proposal to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act to place 'Vande Mataram' on par with the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana', a move linked to the broader debate stirred by the ceremony's song order.
TVK distances itself; minister defends Tamil invocation order
May 11, 2026
TVK distanced itself from the change in song order, stating the Tamil invocation song should be sung first and the National Anthem last, as has been the usual practice. Minister Aadhav Arjuna defended the Tamil invocation song and indicated that the state song should be played first, with the National Anthem at the end in future ceremonies.
CPI criticizes the song order for violating tradition
May 11, 2026
CPI state secretary M Veerapandiyan issued a letter alleging that the swearing-in order violated long-standing Tamil Nadu convention, which traditionally prioritizes Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu at the start of government ceremonies. He urged the government to explain who was responsible for the lapse and to uphold the conventional sequence in future.
Swearing-in ceremony: Song order places Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu third
May 11, 2026
At the swearing-in ceremony for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thalapathy Vijay and other ministers, the sequence of songs was reported as: Vande Mataram first, followed by the National Anthem, and Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu third. This departed from the usual Tamil Nadu practice of starting with the state invocation and ending with the National Anthem, prompting controversy and debate over ceremonial protocol.