The first Assembly session of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government began in Chennai on Wednesday with Governor Rajendra Arlekar’s customary address. The proceedings opened with Tamil Thai Vazhthu, followed by the national anthem.
The Governor arrived at the Assembly around 9.50 am and was received by Chief Minister Vijay, Speaker Prabhakar and Assembly Secretary Shanthi, with a shawl and bouquet. A police guard of honour was also accorded.
At 10.02 am, the Governor began reading the address and concluded at 10.39 am. The speech, prepared by the State government, was delivered in full without interruptions or alterations.
After the Governor read the address in English, Speaker Prabhakar read out the Tamil translation. Once the translation concluded, the national anthem was played again, after which the Governor left the House, greeting Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi first and then the Chief Minister and ministers.
This marked the first time in the Assembly’s history that the national anthem was played twice. Responding to questions, the Speaker said there was nothing wrong and that the long-held view that Tamil Thai Vazhthu should be sung first had been fulfilled, adding that the practice should continue. The event also did not include “Vande Mataram,” which former Governor Ravi had earlier insisted should be sung, a demand that had previously led to controversy.
