DMK Criticises Playing of ‘Vande Mataram’ at Vijay Government Oath Event
A political controversy has resurfaced in Tamil Nadu after the national song Vande Mataram was played before the Tamil Nadu state song during the swearing-in ceremony of newly inducted ministers in Chief Minister Vijay’s expanded cabinet.
The development triggered criticism from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which accused the government of promoting “BJP-style politics” and ignoring long-followed state traditions.
The issue revolves around the order in which songs were played at the official ceremony. Traditionally, Tamil Nadu government functions begin with Tamil Thai Vaazhthu (the state song) and conclude with the national anthem.
However, at the ceremony, Vande Mataram reportedly preceded both the national anthem and the state song, leading opposition leaders to object to the change in protocol.
The controversy is not entirely new. Similar criticism had emerged earlier during Vijay’s own oath-taking ceremony after Vande Mataram was played first. Supporters of the move argued that it followed recent central guidelines regarding the use of the national song at official events, while critics viewed it as conflicting with Tamil Nadu’s established practices and regional identity.
The latest dispute has once again sparked debate around cultural symbolism, federal traditions, and the balance between national and state identity in official functions.
