CPI(M)'s M Veerapandian demands 'Tamil Thai Valthu' be played before the Governor's speech in the Assembly amid a protocol row. He also urged action on the Cauvery dispute, calling for water release from Mettur Dam and talks with Karnataka.
Amid an ongoing political row over the protocol followed in official ceremonies in Tamil Nadu, CPI(M) 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.
Cauvery Water Dispute
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.
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