TVK Blames Governor Protocol In Tamil Thai Vazhthu Row, Assures Anthem Will Again Open State Events

The ruling TVK government has moved to calm the controversy surrounding the placement of Tamil Thai Vazhthu during official events, with party leaders clarifying that the long-standing Tamil Nadu convention would continue despite the recent deviation linked to gubernatorial protocol.

TVK general secretary for election campaign management and State Minister Aadhav Arjuna said the party remained fully committed to the established practice of rendering Tamil Thai Vazhthu at the beginning of government functions and the National Anthem at the conclusion. The clarification comes amid criticism after the Tamil invocation song was reportedly played as the third segment during a recent official event.

TVK Says It Supports Traditional Tamil Nadu Practice

In a statement issued on the matter, Aadhav Arjuna stressed that the song beginning with "Neerarum Kadaludutha..." carried deep historical and emotional significance for the people of Tamil Nadu. He noted that the composition had enjoyed recognition for more than a century and was officially adopted by the State government as Tamil Nadu's anthem.

"In Tamil Nadu, Tamil Thai Vazhthu is traditionally rendered at the commencement of government functions and the National Anthem at the end. That is the established and appropriate practice. The government led by TVK has no differing view on this matter," he said.

The Minister underlined that the government had no intention of altering a convention that has long been associated with official ceremonies in the State.

Governor's Protocol Linked To Change

Aadhav Arjuna explained that the unusual sequence during the event was not a policy shift by the State government but arose because of protocol requirements linked to the Governor's office.

According to him, the government had raised its concerns with the Lok Bhavan regarding the arrangement. However, officials were informed that the Governor was required to follow a newly issued circular from the Union government.

"Only under unavoidable circumstances was Tamil Thai Vazhthu rendered as the third song. This practice will not continue in future," he said.

The statement sought to reassure the public that the development was an exception rather than a new norm.

Earlier Convention To Be Restored

The TVK leader further stated that the earlier practice would be reinstated at all future official functions conducted by the State government. The assurance appeared aimed at containing political criticism and addressing public sentiment over the issue.

He also appealed to the Union government to respect the cultural importance of State invocation songs during official events across India.

Call For Greater Recognition Of State Invocation Songs

Aadhav Arjuna said state invocation songs should be accorded prominence during official functions, arguing that such recognition reflected the cultural identity and collective emotions of people in individual States.

He maintained that Tamil Thai Vazhthu represented not just a ceremonial song but a symbol of Tamil pride and heritage that resonated with people across generations.