CPI(M), PMK slam Lok Bhavan's direction to start with 'Vande Mataram' at convocation

CPI(M) state secretary P Shanmugam and PMK chief Anbumani Ramadoss condemned Lok Bhavan's direction to start Manonmaniam Sundaranar University's convocation with Vande Mataram instead of Tamil Thai Vazhthu.

University Vice-Chancellor N Chandrasekar stated that per Governor's Office guidelines, Vande Mataram will be first, national anthem Jana Gana Mana second, and state anthem Tamil Thai Vazhthu third.

Anbumani Ramadoss cited a Union Ministry of Home Affairs clarification on July 9 stating state anthem should be sung first, then national song, then national anthem, which the Governor's Office disregarded.

P Shanmugam said the Vice-Chancellor warned of disciplinary action for non-compliance, calling it coercive interference by the Governor in state affairs.

Both parties demanded Tamil Nadu government intervene to ensure Tamil Thai Vazhthu takes precedence at the July 28 convocation, calling the move an insult to state autonomy and Tamil linguistic pride.