Today the DMK government came out with an announcement that July 18 and not November1 will be observed as state formation day because it is on the former date that CN Annadurai, chief minister of Tamilnadu, renamed the state as Tamil Nadu. In fact November 1 is the state formation day; so naturally Tamil Nadu day should be observed on that date. The idea is to reject anything with a semblance of Central authority.
Governor of the state is the symbol of Central authority and so governor should not be imposed on Tamil Nadu; the very post of governor is redundant .– that has been the separatist voice supported by DMK. When It was known that the present governor comes from an intelligence background and had rejected the demand by a separatist group for a separate constitution and a separate Flag for Nagaland, voices were heard in Tamil Nadu that the union government should call back the new governor.
For the last three years certain small parties like Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and fringe groups May 17, splinters of Dravida Kazhgam ( DK) under the banner of “ Periyaria Unarvaalargal Koottamaippu, PUF,( Coalition of Periyarists- FB) were demanding First day of November Tamil Nadu Day and made it a public holiday. They also demand a separate flag. Last year PUF unveiled the TN flag displaying the map of TN red with white background. They announced on 01/11/2020 they would “unfurl” the flag in public places. TN Govt banned it and arrested some of its leaders for hoisting the flag in their homes.This year also they are planning, But DMK in the opposition neither supported nor opposed it. This year in power wait for how it handles the situation.
Those who demand separate flag claim some states like J&K , Karnataka etc have separate flags. It was only J&K had, under the provisions of the constitution, had it till 05/08/2019.In 2018, on the eve of 2019 General elections the then CM of Karnataka unveiled the flag , but did not pursue it afterwards. One of the Union Govt officials said there was no precedent of any state having a separate flag.
On 22/11/1947 Pandit Jawahalal Nehru presented the new, present, flag to the constitutional assembly. Only one member, Shri.Jaipal Singh , who lead 1928 Amstardam Olympic, said more local flags could fly along with the national flag. The SC in 1994, S.R.Bommai Vs Union of India case said the constitution do not prohibit states having their own flag. However the state flags should not dishonour the national flag. The Flag Code also permit other flags to be flown with the National flag, but not on the same pole/post or in any way superior position to the national flag. Our defence force Army, Navy , Air Force, Para Military Forces, Sports Bodies and some other institutions have their own flag.
The demand for separate flag for TN was made fifty years back, on 27/08/1970 by the then CM of the state Mr.M.Karunanidhi when the state named Tamil Nadu. The proposed flag had National Flag in ¼ area , top left and state Emblem , Raja Gopuram of the famous Andal Temple in Srivilliputhur. The background was grey. At that time several CMs and all parties opposed the move. Mr.Karunanidhi assured in the assembly it did not mean state had any differences with the centre on the “Integrity” of the nation. The then Union Govt headed by Mrs.Indira Gandhi did not decide and Mr.Karunanidhi did not pursue the matter.
Why has this matter been raised again for the last couple of years? The proposed flag and the speeches of the group do reflect their hidden agenda. Unlike the proposal in 1970 the new flag has nothing to show the state is a part of the Union Of India. Further these groups have played prominent roles in agitations Jallikattu, Sterlite Copper exploration of , Natural Gas, Eight lane Highway etc,. The state feels the absence of a strong political leadership after the demise of Ms.Jayalalitha and Mr.M.Karunanidhi in quick succession.
