Thiruvananthapuram: Governor Rajendra Arlekar clarified his stance amid the ongoing Vande Mataram controversy, stating that the song will be sung in full during the Independence Day celebrations. “I will sing Vande Mataram in full. That itself is my message,” the Governor said.
Earlier, Lok Bhavan issued a clarification stating that no directive had been given to recite Vande Mataram in full during the Independence Day events. Ministers had reacted by claiming that the Chief Secretary bypassed the government’s circular based on instructions from the Governor.
The state government had issued a circular on August 4 detailing the guidelines to be followed during Independence Day functions. Two days later, the Chief Secretary sent a letter to the Local Self-Government Department directing that Centre’s instructions regarding Vande Mataram be strictly followed.
However, Lok Bhavan clarified that it had issued no such instructions on the matter. The government, which had earlier defended its stance by claiming the Chief Secretary acted on the Governor’s instructions, now finds itself in a tough spot following Lok Bhavan’s statement.
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Industries Minister P. K. Kunhalikutty stated that no decision had been made to recite Vande Mataram in full. Meanwhile, the CPI(M) criticized the government, alleging that it had completely surrendered to the BJP by issuing the controversial circular.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com