Amidst a deepening rift with the state government, Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi asserted on Saturday, January 24, 2026, that Vande Mataram deserves the same status as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
Addressing a gathering, the Governor lamented that the concept of “Bharat as a mother” had been neglected following Independence, calling the shift “unfortunate.”
Key Remarks by the Governor
- Status of the Song: “Vande Mataram should have equal status as the national anthem. Unfortunately, it is ignored. We need Vande Mataram to be played [more frequently],” Ravi stated.
- National Identity: He emphasized that India is not merely a “geographical entity” but a “mother,” and argued that the emotional resonance of the song remains strong among students in Tamil Nadu through various competitions.
- Neglect Post-Independence: He criticized the post-1947 era for distancing itself from the spiritual and maternal imagery of the nation.
Context of the Dispute: The Anthem Row
The Governor’s comments come exactly four days after a dramatic walkout from the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on January 20, 2026.
- The Assembly Clash: The Governor refused to deliver the customary opening address for the third consecutive year. He alleged that the National Anthem was “insulted” because it was not played at the start of the session (Tamil Nadu tradition dictates playing the state anthem, Tamil Thai Vaazhthu, at the start and the National Anthem at the end).
- Mic Row: Lok Bhavan (Raj Bhavan) claimed the Governor’s microphone was repeatedly switched off, preventing him from addressing “serious omissions and inaccuracies” in the government-prepared speech.
- The Resolution: Following his exit, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin moved a resolution to record the English version of the speech as “read,” accusing the Governor of violating constitutional ethos.
Diplomatic Update: EU Chiefs Arrive
In unrelated but significant news mentioned during the briefing, the European Union chiefs have arrived in New Delhi for the upcoming Republic Day celebrations.
- The Guests: Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission) and António Costa (President of the European Council) will serve as joint Chief Guests for the 77th Republic Day parade on January 26, 2026.
- The Agenda: Their visit coincides with the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27, where progress on the long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to be a top priority.
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