Since the declaration of the Assembly election results, Tamil Nadu's politics has surprised the nation with its unpredictability. Vijay's rise to power with DMK allies and an AIADMK faction rallying behind him has given him strength, but his three days in power have also been marred by controversies with criticism, primarily coming from the allies, not the Opposition.
During Vijay's oath-taking ceremony, a protocol set by the Union Home Ministry was followed and all six stanzas of Vande Mataram were sung, followed by the National Anthem and the Tamil Anthem, 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' (state song of Tamil Nadu), in the third position.
Allies lash out at TVK over Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu row
VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan, who has supported TVK with his two MLAs, asked CM Vijay whether the change was made to appease Governor Rajendra Arlekar, seeking a clarification.
The VCK chief also raised concerns over the religious connotations linked to the National Song, arguing that it had caused unease among allied parties supporting the government on secular grounds.
CPI, another ally with two seats, demanded an explanation from the government and warned that CM Vijay and the pro tem Speaker must ensure that " Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' is sung first.
ALSO READ: Vande Mataram Row: TVK Ally CPI, VCK Unhappy Over 3rd Spot To Tamil Anthem During Vijay's Oath
CPI state secretary M Veerapandiyan issued a letter, saying, "As per instructions issued by the Raj Bhavan, giving precedence to the song 'Vande Mataram' and placing Tamil in the third position in the programme schedule of the swearing-in ceremony organised by the Tamil Nadu government amounts to a violation of established convention. The Tamil Nadu government must explain to the public who was responsible for this lapse. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam must ensure that the Thamizhthai Vaazhthu is accorded primacy. Such an error must not be allowed to continue. TN chief minister C Joseph Vijay and the pro-tem Speaker are to ensure that the Thamizhthai Vaazhthu is sung first and the National Anthem played at the conclusion during tomorrow’s Assembly session."
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Tamil Nadu has a tradition of starting the state event with the Tamil Anthem and concluding it with the National Anthem.
Astrologer's appointment as OSD make allies unhappy
On Tuesday, Vijay appointed astrologer Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as his Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for political affairs. The appointment caused distaste between TVK and allies for the second time in three days.
Radhan is a well-known astrologer and a political advisor linked to TVK. Reportedly, he had predicted a strong performance by Vijay's party.
In a strong reaction, Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil questioned the logic behind the appointment, asking why such a role was needed in the first place.
"Beats me. Why would an astrologer require an OSD position ?? Can anyone explain?” Senthil wrote.
Apart from him, VCK also opposed the decision, with party general secretary D Ravikumar opening a front against the government, arguing that the order goes against the idea of a secular government and should be reconsidered.
"This is unacceptable in a secular government. The Honourable Chief Minister should reconsider this. It is the government's duty to foster a scientific outlook. Ricky Radhan Pandit, who was announced today as the political wing secretary of the Chief Minister, is fundamentally an astrologer," Ravikumar wrote on X.
Similarly, CPM's Central Committee member Shanmugam P wrote, "Appointing such a person as an officer at government expense will only serve to increase faith in astrology among the people... This appointment by the government is unacceptable! It is also unacceptable that he will provide political advice."
Such quick and frequent incidents of rifts between allies on matters related to governance could carry ramifications for the government in the long run, especially as TVK lacks a clear mandate on its own to complete its five-year tenure.