Fresh Row Over Vande Mataram Singing At Tamil Nadu Cabinet Expansion, BJP Cites ‘National Protocol’

Fresh Row Over Vande Mataram Singing At Tamil Nadu Cabinet Expansion, BJP Cites ‘ Protocol’ Published By, Last Updated: May 21, 2026, 11:00 IST Fresh political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu after ‘Vande Mataram’ was again sung before the ‘Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu’ at a swearing-in event. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay (Photo: PTI) A fresh political controversy erupted in Tamil Nadu on Thursday after ‘Vande Mataram’ was once again sung before the ‘Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu’ during a swearing-in ceremony, triggering sharp reactions from opposition parties and reigniting the debate over protocol and Tamil identity. The latest row comes days after similar objections were raised over the order of songs played during the swearing-in ceremony of the Tamil Nadu government led by actor-politician Joseph C Vijay. Critics alleged that the traditional precedence accorded to the Tamil invocation song had been sidelined. On Thursday, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) attacked the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), alleging that the party failed to protect Tamil identity and traditions despite earlier assurances. DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai termed the development “unfortunate" and said the controversy persisted even after TVK ministers had reportedly assured that the Tamil anthem would be given preference in official events. Annadurai said the ‘Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu’ should receive “pride of place" in government functions and accused TVK of being unable to “stand up and fight for the rights of Tamil." He alleged that repeated placement of the Tamil anthem behind ‘Vande Mataram’ reflected the party’s inability to defend Tamil sentiments despite public criticism over the issue. The controversy centres on the sequence followed during the ceremony, where ‘Vande Mataram’ was sung first, followed by the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’, while ‘Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu’ was placed third. CPI DEMANDS TAMIL THAAI VAAZHTHU GET TOP PRIORITY The Communist Party of India (CPI) also objected to the protocol followed during the event. CPI state secretary M Veerapandian said the ‘Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu’ must be accorded the foremost position in government ceremonies in Tamil Nadu. Veerapandian said that government functions in Tamil Nadu traditionally begin with the Tamil invocation and conclude with the national anthem. He alleged that changing the order violated established convention. The CPI leader further claimed that during the freedom struggle itself, it had been decided that ‘Vande Mataram’ could not serve as the national anthem because the song was dedicated to a specific deity and carried a “sectarian religious character." He alleged that the decision to place ‘Vande Mataram’ first had been taken under directions from Lok Bhavan and demanded a public explanation from the Tamil Nadu government regarding responsibility for the “error." Veerapandian also said TVK, as a participant in the ceremony, had a responsibility to ensure that the Tamil invocation regained its “rightful place" and that such incidents were not repeated. BJP DEFENDS MOVE, CALLS IT ‘NATIONAL PROTOCOL’ The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, strongly defended the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ first. BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan told CNN-News18 that it was “national protocol" for ‘Vande Mataram’ to be sung before other songs at such ceremonies. She said, “Nobody can insult Mother Tamil, Mother Tamil always respects nationalism," while accusing the DMK of indulging in anti-national politics. Soundararajan further claimed that people had already punished the DMK for its “anti-national and anti-Sanatan" activities. Referring to developments in Kerala, she said a similar protocol had also been followed there. KERALA ROW ADDS FUEL TO DEBATE The Tamil Nadu controversy has unfolded alongside a similar debate in Kerala over the rendition of the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ during the Congress-led UDF Cabinet swearing-in ceremony. The CPI(M) criticised the move, calling it “incorrect" and “inappropriate in a pluralistic society." The party argued that only the approved portions of the song should be used officially and claimed that some sections carried religious overtones inconsistent with secular traditions. The BJP hit back at the Left, accusing it of insulting the national song and indulging in appeasement politics. BJP leaders in Kerala said the CPI(M)’s stand was an attack on Indian traditions and nationalism. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 21, 2026, 10:46 IST News india Fresh Row Over Vande Mataram Singing At Tamil Nadu Cabinet Expansion, BJP Cites ‘ Protocol’ Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...