Controversy Erupts Over Tamil Nadu State Anthem Order at Chief Minister's Swearing-In Ceremony

Chennai: Language and regional identity have always been sensitive issues in Tamil Nadu politics. On Sunday, in a grand ceremony held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, TVK President Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. However, on this joyous occasion, a major political controversy has arisen over the order of the state anthem'Tamil Thai Vazhathu '. Traditionally sung at the beginning of government programs, this state anthem is placed third after Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana. The opposition and allied parties attacked the new government. During the oath of office and secrecy was administered to Vijay by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekarbhai. Usually in Tamil Nadu, any government program starts with the state anthem and ends with the national anthem. But this time the protocol was changed to first the national anthem, then the national anthem and finally the state anthem. This incident has also angered parties like CPI, CPM and VCK.