Vande Mataram–Tamil Thai Vazhthu order controversy: TVK pledges course correction as Kerala watch begins

The controversy over the order of songs at Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay's swearing-in ceremony continues to simmer ahead of Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan's swearing-in on May 18. At Vijay's swearing-in, Vande Mataram was sung before Jana Gana Mana, with all six stanzas rendered — the last four of which carry religious overtones that have historically been a point of contention. The Tamil state song 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' was played at the end rather than at the beginning, departing from established Tamil Nadu protocol.

TVK allies CPI, CPI(M), and VCK raised the issue sharply, questioning the government's commitment to secular and Tamil cultural norms. Congress also slammed the move. TVK distanced itself from the controversy, stating it did not agree with the arrangement and that it had followed the Centre's protocol for the event.

Minister Aadhav Arjuna made a public pledge: future events will feature Tamil Thai Vazhthu at the beginning and the national anthem at the end. However, political observers point out that Governor Rajendra Arlekar — the same official who presided over Tamil Nadu's swearing-in — is also the Governor of Kerala and will preside over Satheesan's ceremony tomorrow, raising questions about whether the protocol controversy will repeat.