THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Opposition launched a scathing attack on the Kerala government following the complete recital of Vande Mataram during the valedictory function of the state’s Onam celebrations and the Uthrattathi boat race. M. V. Govindan alleged that singing the song in full was part of an implicit deal struck between the Chief Minister and the RSS. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister and senior ministers have maintained silence on the row, though official sources clarified that federal protocol must be strictly adhered to during events attended by the Vice President.
This fresh controversy has erupted amidst existing allegations by the Opposition that the Sangh Parivar is attempting to saffronize the higher education sector using the Governor’s office. The full version of the national song was rendered at both the official Onam concluding ceremony and the Uthrattathi boat race, both of which were attended by the Vice President of India.
Clarifying the administration’s stance, Minister P. C. Vishnunath stated that adhering to protocol at an event attended by the Vice President was not a matter of political compromise. However, Minister A. P. Anil Kumar stated he was unaware of the decision to sing the complete version of the national song. Notably, unlike in other Congress-ruled states, the full version of Vande Mataram was not sung in Kerala during the official Independence Day celebrations.
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