CHENNAI: As Governor Rajendra Arlekar prepares to deliver his customary address to the Tamil Nadu Assembly on June 18, all eyes are on whether he will ensure a smooth start to the session or follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, R N Ravi, whose addresses were frequently overshadowed by controversy. The question has assumed significance amid the continuing dispute over the order in which ‘Vande Mataram’, ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and ‘ThamizhThaai Vaazhthu’ are rendered at official functions of the governor and Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.
Since the formation of Vijay’s TVK-led government, the protocol governing the order of ceremonial songs and the National Anthem at official functions has become a contentious issue. The relegation of ‘Thamizh Thaai Vaazhthu’ (invocation to Mother Tamil) to the third position had drawn criticism from opposition parties, particularly the DMK, which has accused the government of undermining Tamil cultural identity.
A recent incident proves that Arlekar may take it seriously if ‘Vande Mataram’ is not rendered at the beginning of the Assembly session. During the opening session of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly on May 29, only a short version of ‘Vande Mataram’ was played by the police band before and after the governor’s address, triggering objections from Arlekar, who is also Kerala governor.
Against this backdrop, whether the governor’s address on June 18 will proceed smoothly or mark the beginning of a fresh round of friction between the Lok Bhavan and the state government over the ‘Thamizh Thaai Vaazhthu’ remains an open question.
On May 10, during the swearing-in of Vijay and nine of his ministers, the ‘Thamizh Thaai Vaazhthu’ was rendered last. Later, cabinet expansion, a similar procedure was adopted at the Lok Bhavan.
Meanwhile, ministers said despite the CM taking up the issue with the governor, the Lok Bhavan said they would go by the circular issued by the centre in January. Minister Aadhav Arjuna said the state government is consulting experts on moving the court against this circular.