We will not allow Tamil Thai Vaazhthu to be pushed behind during Governor’s Address, says Udhayanidhi Stalin

Objecting to the rendition of Tamil Thai Vaazhthu after the national song Vande Mataram and the national anthem during the swearing-in of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Sunday last, Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin said on Tuesday that the DMK would not allow it to happen in the Governor’s coming address to the House.

“The Governor will deliver his address to the House soon. So, you should not allow recurrence of the incident which happened at the swearing-in. We will not allow it,” he said in his first speech in the Assembly as the Leader of the Opposition.

The rendition of Tamil Thai Vaazhthu after the national song Vande  Mataram and the national anthem during the swearing-in had shocked the people of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Udhayanidhi said. Acknowledging that the TVK government had given its explanation, he said, “Vande  Mataram was not sung in West Bengal, where the BJP has been elected to power. But it has been sung in Tamil Nadu.”

Referring to the Governorship of R.N. Ravi in West Bengal, who was the Governor of Tamil Nadu until recently, Mr. Udhayanidhi said, “The person who wanted to change the Assembly tradition and insisted that the national anthem be sung before Tamil Thai Vaazhthu is now the West Bengal Governor.” He also recalled how the erstwhile DMK government, under M.K. Stalin, had opposed it.

“Not only in the Assembly but also at any government event…, Tamil Thai Vaazhthu should never be pushed to the second position. This [TVK] government should not allow it,” Mr. Udhayanidhi said. “We should remain vigilant and protect our rights and tradition,” he said.

Also Read : Court: Tamil Thai Vazhthu is a prayer song, not an anthem

Quoting former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai, he said the DMK would function as a “constructive Opposition party”. Calling upon all to join the journey towards the attainment of the rights and development of Tamil Nadu, he said the DMK would work towards the ideal ‘All for Everyone.’

Appreciating Mr. Vijay for visiting senior leaders, Mr. Udhayanidhi said, “We expect the political decency to continue in the Assembly.” He also appealed to the Chair to remain non-partisan and accord due significance to the ideals of democracy.