Chennai, Jan 27 : A day after the staff of RBI did not stand up while reciting the ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu,’ as per the order issued by Tamil Nadu government, the RBI Regional Director S.M.N.Swamy today met Finance Minister P.T.R.Palanivel Thiagarajan and expressed regret for the incident. In a statement, RBI’s Chennai Regional Office said the song Tamil Thai Vazhthu was sung on the occasion of the Republic Day as a mark of deference for the Tamil culture and language. However, subsequently, in the commotion that ensued, certain unnecessary statements concerning the song had been made, which were uncalled-for and regrettable. We are aware that Tamil Thai Vazhthu is the State song of Tamil Nadu. We wish to reiterate that, as a regulatory body, we respect the customs and practices followed in each region of the country. Representatives of the RBI Chennai Regional Office led by Mr.Swamy have also called on Mr.Palanivel Thiagarajan and assured our stance in this regard, it said. It may be recalled that a section of RBI staff triggered controversy during the 73rd Republic Day celebrations by sitting on their chairs, when the State anthem Tamil Thai Vazhthu was played, stating that the Madras High Court had said there was no need to do so. A video of some RBI staff defending their action went viral on social media. Leaders of various political parties condemned the RBI staff for disrespecting the State song. A complaint was lodged against the RBI employees by an advocate G.Rajesh, seeking action against them with the Chennai Commissioner of Police Shankar Jiwal.(UNI)