TN Assembly begins with state anthem, ends Governor protocol row

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly commenced its session on Thursday (June 18) with a significant procedural change that resolved a long-standing friction between Lok Bhavan and the government. For the first time in recent memory, the session began with the traditional Tamilthai Vaazhthu, immediately followed by the National Anthem. The change came after amendments to Assembly rules and quiet negotiations, ending earlier standoffs where governors had insisted on the National Anthem taking precedence.

Protocol row resolved

Acting Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who assumed the role after previous Governor R.N. Ravi, formally accepted the new sequence and delivered the customary Governor’s Address without disruption.

Former Governor RN Ravi didn’t walk out for the National Anthem playing second. He wanted the National Anthem also to be played at the beginning of the Assembly session, along with Tamil Thai Vazhthu.

The custom in the Tamil Nadu Assembly was the Tamil Thai Vazhthu being played at the beginning and the National Anthem at the end of the sessions.

Arlekar on Thursday started reading his customary address at the Assembly after Tamiz Thai Vaazthu first, followed by the National Anthem. His predecessor, former Governor RN Ravi, had walked out in the last three years on similar occasions over the National Anthem being played second.

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Assembly Speaker J. CD Prabhakar played a key role in facilitating the settlement between the Governor’s office and the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government led by actor-turned-politician Vijay.

In his address, the Governor read a strongly appreciative note on the ruling dispensation, describing TVK’s rise as a 'historic revolution' in Tamil Nadu politics. He highlighted that just two years after its formation, Vijay’s party secured power, a feat compared to the landmark victories of C.N. Annadurai (DMK) in 1967 and M.G. Ramachandran (AIADMK) in 1977.

Praise for TVK government

The Governor praised Vijay for transcending barriers of caste, language, and religion through what the address termed a 'whistle revolution' that brought people together.

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The Governor’s speech underscored the formation of a coalition government, the first in Tamil Nadu in 74 years, describing it as an inclusive arrangement that ensures “everything for everyone.”

The address also touched on state-centre relations, with the Governor reiterating that Tamil Nadu would continue to press the Union Government on issues such as the fishermen’s problems, the Mekedatu dispute, and a fair share of funds. He noted that the Chief Minister had personally taken up these matters with the Prime Minister and raised Tamil Nadu’s financial requirements at NITI Aayog meetings.

Focus on finances

On the state’s finances, the Governor’s Address presented a stark assessment: Tamil Nadu’s financial position has deteriorated sharply over the past five years, with debt nearly doubling and per capita debt exceeding ₹1 lakh.

The government plans to release a white paper on the perceived injustice in central fund devolution. Steps will also be taken to recover misappropriated funds from the Tasmac (state liquor corporation) and bring them back into the state exchequer.

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The session opened against a backdrop of vociferous opposition protests. DMK and AIADMK legislators, particularly DMK MLAs led by Udhayanidhi Stalin, entered the House wearing black badges to protest the new TVK-led government. They carried placards reading slogans such as:

“Reels Inge, Real Enge?” (Reels here, where is the real?)

“Kadharal Ketkutha CM?” (Can you hear the cries, CM?)

“Thiraiyil Nayagan, Tharaiyil Villain” (Hero on screen, villain on ground)

Opposition stages protest

Opposition parties have indicated they will raise a slew of issues, including sexual violence cases, murders, power cuts, farm loan waivers, and alleged irregularities involving MLAs. They view today’s developments as an opportunity to corner the fledgling TVK administration politically.

Relations between the previous Governor R.N. Ravi and the earlier DMK government had been strained for years over protocol issues, including the singing of Tamilthai Vaazhthu versus the National Anthem at official functions.

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The new arrangement, Tamilthai Vaazhthu first, followed by the National Anthem, was enabled by changes to Assembly rules and has been accepted by the Acting Governor, effectively closing one chapter of Raj Bhavan–Secretariat friction.

First major legislative test

Political observers note that the DMK and AIADMK appear to have lost a potential wedge issue they had hoped to exploit. The session is expected to be stormy as the two-year-old TVK government, which rode to power on a wave of anti-incumbency and celebrity appeal, faces its first major legislative test in a coalition format while confronting a determined opposition.