Row Erupts Over ‘Vande Mataram’ Before National Anthem In Tamil Nadu Event

Political events, together with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Left events, criticised the rendering of the nationwide track ‘Vande Mataram’ throughout the swearing-in ceremony of C Joseph Vijay by Governor Rajendra Arlekar on Sunday.

Forward of the governor administering the oath of workplace to Vijay, a gaggle of girls carried out ‘Vande Mataram’. The nationwide anthem was performed afterwards, adopted by the standard ‘Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu’.

Raja Targets Centre Over ‘Vande Mataram’

DMK chief and former Union minister A Raja criticised the Centre over the sequence, alleging that the BJP-led Union authorities’s emphasis on ‘Vande Mataram’ mirrored a bigger ideological agenda. He claimed the transfer was geared toward selling the concept of a “Hindu Rashtra” and marginalising minorities.

“The dream for a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ is what ‘Vande Mataram’ is! “Having noticed the conduct of the BJP-led Union authorities over the previous 11 years within the method of a witness, I can sense what the dream of the ‘Vande Mataram’ track, as talked about by the Prime Minister, actually is. That dream is to relegate Muslims to second-class residents and declare this nation a ‘Hindu Rashtra’!” – On the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s swearing-in ceremony, which started with the ‘Vande Mataram’ track, remarks by DMK Deputy Normal Secretary A. Raja in Parliament about ‘Vande Mataram’ have gone viral!” he stated in a put up on X. 

CPI Objects To Sequence Of Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu

Communist Celebration of India (CPI) state secretary M Veerapandian additionally objected to the order of proceedings, saying inserting ‘Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu’ after ‘Vande Mataram’ went in opposition to established custom in Tamil Nadu. He urged the state authorities to make clear who was liable for the association and stated such an error shouldn’t be repeated.

“The National Anthem is to be revered. Our nation is India. Its nationwide anthem is ‘Jana Gana Mana.’ We respect it. However Tamil is greater than our life. As Paavendhar stated, Tamil is our delivery mom. Due to this fact, Tamil needs to be given precedence. Relating to Vande Mataram, let it’s debated within the Parliament. Tamil Nadu welcomes patriotic songs and values all patriotic sentiments. Nevertheless, the Tamil Anthem (Tamil Thai Valthu) needs to be given precedence, and we request that priority be given to it within the Legislative Meeting occasions,” he stated. 

Chennai | On his letter in opposition to Thamizhthai Vaazhthu sung after Vande Mataram and National Anthem at TN CM Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony, Tamil Nadu CPI Secretary M Veerapandiyan says, “The National Anthem is to be revered. Our nation is India. Its nationwide anthem is ‘Jana Gana… pic.twitter.com/jVYJQ1WVdb

— ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2026

The criticism comes months after the Union Dwelling Ministry, in February, directed that ‘Vande Mataram’ be performed or sung earlier than the nationwide anthem at authorities features. The ministry additionally issued detailed protocols for the nationwide track’s rendition throughout official occasions involving constitutional authorities, together with the President and Governors.