Protest erupts over ‘disrespect shown’ to Tamil Thai Vaazhthu at Puducherry CM’s swearing-in ceremony

PUDUCHERRY: Tensions flared in the Puducherry town on Thursday as scores of members of various Tamil outfits staged a massive agitation over the disrespect shown to the state anthem, Tamil Thai Vaazhthu, during the swearing-in ceremony of chief minister N Rangasamy on Wednesday. They registered their stringent protest over the new practice of rendering Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem and finally Puducherry Tamil Thai Vaazhthu in the swearing-in ceremony.

The members gathered at the Kamaraj statue and marched towards Lok Nivas to picket the governor’s office. They were carrying black flags and portraits of lieutenant governor K Kailashnathan. Police intercepted them on the way to the Lok Nivas.

Scuffles broke out as the protesters attempted to breach police barricades to hoist black flags. In a defiant display, protesters sat on the road and sang Tamil Thai Vaazhthu in unison. They also expressed their anger by tearing and burning effigies and portraits of the lieutenant governor.

Police detained many protesters after a prolonged period of pushing and shoving. The Rangasamy-led NDA govt, which secured a majority with 18 seats in the 30-member assembly, now faces growing pressure from Tamil rights activists to explain the protocol lapse even as the chief minister prepares to expand his cabinet within the week.

The incident has drawn comparisons to a similar controversy in neighbouring Tamil Nadu. During the swearing-in ceremony of TVK founder C Joseph Vijay, Tamil Thai Vaazhthu was also played third, leading to widespread criticism from various social and political quarters.