DMK, PMK, and DK demand law to ensure ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ is sung first at functions
Political parties in Tamil Nadu, including the DMK and PMK, are demanding a formal law to mandate that the 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' anthem be sung first at all government functions. They argue that current administrative orders are insufficient to ensure compliance by officials and the Governor.
Why it matters
The debate reflects ongoing tensions regarding state identity, cultural symbolism, and the legal authority of the state government versus the Governor.
DMK MLA and former Minister S. Regupathy on Monday (August 10, 2026) demanded a special law to ensure Tamil Thai Vazhthu is mandatorily sung first at the beginning of all government functions, saying it was doubtful whether the resolution adopted by the Assembly would bind the Governor and others.
Talking to reporters, he said Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar had pushed Tamil Thai Vazhthu to the third position despite the DMK government having issued a G.O. and made its rendering compulsory.
He said the government should introduce a Bill to give legal status to Tamil Thai Vazhthu .
“Unless we give it legal status, we cannot ensure Tamil Thai Vazhthu is rendered first at government functions. But the State government does not seem to be taking any measures to do so because it is afraid of mentioning the Union government. It is doubtful whether it will enact a law,” he said.
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