DMK demands clarification on Vande Mataram protocol — Vaiko, MDMK threaten protests; TVK yet to respond

MDMK chief Vaiko, who leads a key constituency of Tamil nationalists, strongly urged the Tamil Nadu government to stop the practice of playing Vande Mataram at official functions.

"First, Tamil Thai Vazhthu must be sung, and then the national anthem Jana Gana Mana should be sung. The Governor is organising these events, and since they are connected to his office, he has acted in this manner. But I strongly urge the Tamil Nadu government not to permit, under any circumstances, the introduction or singing of this controversial Vande Mataram at Tamil Nadu government functions."

The DMK has demanded a formal clarification from the TVK government on the anthem protocol, with several senior party leaders calling for written orders establishing the precedence of Tamil Thai Vazhthu.

The TVK government is yet to issue an official response to the fresh controversy, which has now erupted twice — first at the May 21 swearing-in and again at the May 22 ceremony.