Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu Returns to Top Spot in Tamil Nadu Assembly After Vijay Oath Row

By Charu | June 19, 2026

The Tamil Nadu Assembly marked a significant moment on Thursday as Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu was rendered at the beginning of proceedings, restoring the state's long-established protocol just over a month after a major political controversy erupted over song sequences at Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's swearing-in ceremony.

Historic Return of Tamil State Anthem

At Thursday's Assembly session, the Tamil anthem Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu was performed first before proceedings commenced while the National Anthem was played later, in accordance with the convention followed in Tamil Nadu for decades. This marks the Tamil state anthem's prominent return to Assembly proceedings after it was placed third during Vijay's oath ceremony on May 10, sparking intense debate over Tamil identity and constitutional protocol.

Traditionally, government functions in Tamil Nadu begin with Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu (the invocation song in praise of Mother Tamil) while the National Anthem is played at the end of the programme. The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Thursday officially adopted a protocol under which Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu is played at the beginning of proceedings and the National Anthem concludes the session.

The Vijay Oath Row That Sparked Controversy

A major political controversy erupted over the order of songs at CM Vijay's swearing-in ceremony on May 10, when Vande Mataram was played before the National Anthem and Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu was placed third. The departure from traditional practice immediately triggered objections from opposition parties and several allies supporting TVK.

The controversy was further amplified because the full six-stanza version of Vande Mataram was played during the swearing-in ceremony, following a January 2026 directive issued by the Union Home Ministry. Several allies whose support helped Vijay secure a majority in the 234-member Assembly questioned the decision, raising concerns about Tamil identity and Dravidian political traditions.

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Opposition Parties Voice Strong Criticism

CPI state secretary M Veerapandian argued that Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu had always occupied the foremost position in official state functions and sought an explanation from the government. While VCK chief Thirumavalavan also criticized the sequence, PMK founder S. Ramadoss urged the government to ensure that the Tamil invocation song continued to receive due prominence at official events.

The DMK launched an equally strong attack on the altered protocol. Party spokesperson TKS Elangovan alleged that the Governor had insisted on Vande Mataram being sung first and claimed the development suggested Vijay was moving closer to the BJP.

TVK's Clarification and Governor's Role

Facing mounting criticism, TVK leader Aadhav Arjuna issued a detailed clarification, insisting that the TVK government did not support the altered sequence. He described the format as unsuitable for Tamil Nadu and said the party had raised objections with Raj Bhavan after Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu was placed third in the programme. TVK clarified that the sequence was followed under instructions from the Governor's office and said the format was not suitable for Tamil Nadu.

New Era for Tamil Nadu Assembly Proceedings

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Thursday witnessed the smooth conduct of proceedings during the Governor's Address for the first time in four years, following the adoption of the new anthem protocol. Following the rendition of the Tamil invocation song, Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu, the National Anthem was played at the beginning of the session and again at its conclusion.

Governor Arlekar hailed the rendering of the National Anthem twice, calling it the "dawn of a new era" for the Tamil Nadu Assembly. This development has triggered a wider debate over Tamil identity, Dravidian political traditions and the symbolic direction of Vijay's new government.

The restoration of Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu protocol represents a significant moment in Tamil Nadu politics, balancing state identity with national conventions while addressing the concerns that emerged from the Vijay oath row. The Tamil anthem controversy has now been resolved with the Tamil Nadu government ensuring proper protocol for future Assembly sessions.

This news about Tamil anthem latest news demonstrates how the Tamil Nadu Assembly successfully navigated the Tamil anthem controversy and restored the traditional Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu protocol that has been followed for decades in the state.

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