Debate Over Vande Mataram at Kerala's Political Crossroads

CPI(M) leader P A Mohamed Riyas has raised objections to the full rendition of Vande Mataram at the UDF Cabinet swearing-in ceremony in Kerala, stating that officially, only the first two couplets should be sung. His remarks, made in a Facebook post, highlighted historical controversies surrounding the song.

Riyas' comments congratulating Congress leader V D Satheesan on becoming Chief Minister and offering support to the new government were met with sharp criticism from BJP MLA V Muraleedharan. Muraleedharan questioned whether Vande Mataram posed any threat to national integrity or secularism, pointing out its selection by the Constituent Assembly as the national song.

Riyas contended that previous attempts to mandate the full song in various states have been contentious, impacting constitutional freedoms. He urged the new government to ensure approaches that respect secular and pluralistic values. Meanwhile, CPI state secretary M Veerapandian called for clarification on the order of songs in Tamil Nadu's swearing-in ceremony, emphasizing the precedence of the Tamil invocation.

(With inputs from agencies.)