CM Vijay Challenges DMK Opposition Regarding TN Assembly National Anthem Protocol
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has challenged the DMK opposition regarding the TN Assembly National Anthem row. By presenting historical assembly records, the Chief Minister dismissed claims of double standards, illustrating that established protocol has consistently placed the National Anthem ahead of the state song.
Highlights
- •Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay defended the National Anthem protocol in the TN Assembly.
- •The DMK was accused of double standards regarding the sequence of anthems at state events.
- •Official records from 2021 were presented as evidence of previous protocol consistency.
- •The controversy centered on the placement of the National Anthem versus Tamil Thaai Vazhthu.
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has officially challenged the opposition DMK regarding the ongoing debate over the TN Assembly National Anthem protocol. The controversy centers on the sequence of the National Anthem and the state anthem, Tamil Thaai Vazhthu, during official government functions held in Tamil Nadu.
Addressing the state legislature on Tuesday, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay firmly rejected the opposition's accusations of hypocrisy. The DMK had previously raised concerns about the National Anthem being played before the state anthem during his swearing-in ceremony in May, as well as during the Governor's address to the Assembly on June 18, where the National Anthem was performed twice.
Examining Historical Protocol and Assembly Records
To substantiate his defense, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay presented official TN Assembly records to the House. He pointed to a specific precedent established on August 2, 2021, during the centenary celebrations of the Tamil Nadu Legislature. At that event, which included the unveiling of a portrait of the late Chief Minister M Karunanidhi by the then President of India, the established protocol dictated that the National Anthem was played before the Tamil Thaai Vazhthu.
Furthermore, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay highlighted that during that same 2021 function, the National Anthem was also performed a second time at the conclusion of the ceremony. By citing these documented instances from the previous administration's tenure, the Chief Minister argued that the current criticisms leveled by the DMK regarding the sequence of anthems are contradictory to their own established practices.
The TN Assembly National Anthem row has sparked significant debate regarding regional and national symbols. By bringing these records to light, the government aims to demonstrate that the procedures followed during recent events are consistent with long-standing protocol rather than a departure from established norms. The Chief Minister emphasized that his administration remains committed to maintaining appropriate protocol while upholding the sanctity of both national and state honors.
As the political discourse continues, this clarification from the Chief Minister serves as a direct response to the claims of double standards. The presentation of these official records aims to settle the controversy surrounding the Tamil Thaai Vazhthu and the broader sequence of anthems in Tamil Nadu official state events.
