Vande Mataram vs Tamil Thai Valthu, Vijay Government Faces First Major Controversy
A controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu over the order in which “Vande Mataram” and “Tamil Thai Valthu” were played during the swearing-in ceremony of the new government. The issue has even created tensions between the ruling TVK and its alliance partner VCK. VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan criticized Chief Minister Vijay, calling the move a violation of Tamil Nadu’s established traditions. He also raised questions about the ideological stand of Vijay’s party, TVK.The new government in Tamil Nadu has barely completed a day in office, yet differences between TVK and its allies have already begun to surface. Thirumavalavan objected to “Vande Mataram” being played before “Tamil Thai Valthu” at the ceremony. Traditionally, official government events in Tamil Nadu begin with “Tamil Thai Valthu,” the state song. According to VCK, Vijay’s ceremony reversed the order by first playing “Vande Mataram” and then “Tamil Thai Valthu.” Thirumavalavan demanded an explanation from TVK and questioned whether the party intended to prioritize “Vande Mataram” over the Tamil state song in the future. The controversy has also put pressure on the alliance parties that supported Vijay’s government. Thirumavalavan stated that the Chief Minister should clarify whether “Tamil Thai Valthu” would continue to receive due respect in official events. Meanwhile, after assuming office, Chief Minister Vijay said that the previous government had left Tamil Nadu with a debt of ₹10 lakh crore and had emptied the state treasury. Responding to this statement, Thirumavalavan said that presenting only the total debt figures creates unnecessary fear among the public. He argued that state debt should always be assessed in proportion to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). According to him, Tamil Nadu’s debt still remains within the limits set by the 15th Finance Commission. He added that highlighting only the debt numbers appeared politically motivated. At the same time, Thirumavalavan welcomed Vijay’s three early announcements, which included measures for de-addiction, women’s safety, and free electricity up to 200 units. He also appealed to the Chief Minister to assure the people of Tamil Nadu that his government would remain completely secular.