Tamil Nadu MPs challenge Governor over state anthem protocol

The controversy follows the July 28 convocation at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, where local officials followed Raj Bhavan instructions to play the state song only after other national anthems. Signatories including P. Chidambaram, Karti Chidambaram, and Thol Thirumavalavan argue that this shift constitutes a slight against the Tamil people and the legacy of poet Manonmaniam Sundaranar Pillai. The MPs highlighted that the song has served as the official state anthem for over five decades and was prioritized during the Governor’s own address to the state assembly in June 2026.

By requesting clear, advance guidance for future university convocations, the lawmakers aim to align Tamil Nadu’s protocol with practices observed in other states like Karnataka. This incident marks the third consecutive time the anthem has been placed third during an official function, fueling regional tension. Raj Bhavan has yet to issue a formal response to the petition, which the MPs framed as a respectful effort to preserve the dignity of state institutions.