"Tamil Thai Valthu should be played first tomorrow in Tamil Nadu Assembly session": Veerapandian
Chennai, June 17
Amid an ongoing political row over the protocol followed in official ceremonies in Tamil Nadu, CPI State Secretary M Veerapandian on Wednesday said that the 'Tamil Thai Valthu' must be played first before the Governor's address in tomorrow's Assembly session.
"Tamil Thai Valthu (state song of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu) should be played first tomorrow (Thursday) in the Tamil Nadu Assembly session before the Governor's speech," Veerapandian told ANI.
His remarks come against a backdrop of repeated controversies over protocol in government events, where the Tamil Thai Valthu was reportedly played third during recent official ceremonies, triggering political backlash across parties.
Opposition leaders have accused the administration of failing to uphold Tamil cultural traditions, with criticism intensifying after similar sequencing issues were flagged during cabinet swearing-in events.
Earlier incidents, including the playing of the national song 'Vande Mataram' ahead of the state anthem during swearing-in ceremonies, had also drawn criticism from DMK leaders. DMK MP Kanimozhi had questioned the silence of the ruling side, while other leaders alleged that the government was under pressure from the Governor's office, which they described as being influenced by the Centre.
On the Cauvery river water dispute, Veerapandian also urged urgent steps to release water from the Mettur Dam and called for dialogue between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
"Mettur Dam water should be released without delay. The Tamil Nadu government should talk to the Karnataka government," he said.
The Mekedatu dam has once again brought the Cauvery Water Dispute into focus, with farmers and political parties warning that any upstream project could reduce water flow into Tamil Nadu.
Farmers say the proposed project may worsen irrigation shortages in the Cauvery delta, affecting agriculture, drinking water supply, and the rural economy.
The issue has long strained relations between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over river water sharing, with downstream regions repeatedly raising concerns over equitable distribution.
The latest protests come amid growing agitation across Tamil Nadu, including farmer demonstrations in Nagapattinam demanding intervention from both the Centre and State governments to stop the project and protect irrigation interests.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, why does every simple protocol become a political battlefield? There are bigger issues like Cauvery water and farmer livelihoods. Focus on what matters! 🙄
It's not just about protocol - it's about respecting our language and culture. When we see Tamil Thai Valthu being played third, it hurts our sentiments. The DMK is right to protest this. Our state song is special! 🌺
Veerapandian raises good points, but the real issue is the Cauvery water crisis. Farmers in Nagapattinam are suffering daily. Focus on getting Mettur Dam water released, that's what matters to our rural economy! 💧🌾
Honestly, I feel both sides are playing politics. We should be united on cultural matters, not divided. And yes, the Cauvery issue needs urgent dialogue between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The Mekedatu dam will only worsen things if not handled properly.
Can we stop these petty protocol fights and work together on water sharing? The Cauvery dispute has been going on for decades. Our farmers don't care about what anthem plays first - they care about their fields having water! 😤
Tamil Thai Valthu is our identity.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.