A fresh controversy broke out in Tamil Nadu after Vande Mataram was played before Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu
May 21, 2026: A political controversy erupted in Tamil Nadu on Thursday after Vande Mataram was played before Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu during the swearing-in ceremony of newly inducted ministers in the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government. Opposition parties, led by the DMK, criticised the sequence and argued that the Tamil state anthem should have been given priority at official events held in the state. The issue has created fresh pressure on Chief Minister Vijay, whose government had already faced similar criticism during his own oath-taking ceremony earlier this month.
The earlier controversy had surfaced when Vande Mataram was reportedly played ahead of both Jana Gana Mana and Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu during Vijay’s swearing-in event. After backlash from opposition parties and concerns raised even within alliance circles, TVK leaders had assured that future state functions would begin with Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu and conclude with the national anthem. Party leader Aadhav Arjuna had also stated that the earlier sequence was due to a central government circular, while clarifying that TVK supported giving priority to state anthems.
Despite those assurances, Thursday’s ceremony again began with Vande Mataram, triggering immediate criticism from the DMK. Party spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai called the development “unfortunate” and accused the government of failing to respect Tamil cultural identity. The controversy has once again revived debates in Tamil Nadu over language, federalism and ceremonial protocol, with critics arguing that the state government should ensure Tamil traditions are respected without confusion or contradiction.