Kerala Leaders Oppose Full Rendition of Vande Mataram, Say Existing Practice Will Continue
Mumbai: A political debate has emerged in Kerala over the rendition of Vande Mataram after state leaders asserted that only the traditionally adopted portions of the national song will continue to be sung at government functions, despite a recent communication linked to the Centre’s Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.
Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan on Sunday clarified that state government events would continue following the long-standing practice of rendering only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram. Speaking to reporters, he said the protocol followed in Kerala for years would remain unchanged.
According to the minister, state government programmes have historically included only the opening portions of the national song, and there is no proposal to alter that practice. He noted that while the Chief Secretary may issue communications based on directives received from the Centre, Kerala’s own protocol would continue to govern state functions.
The controversy stems from an August 6 communication issued by Kerala Chief Secretary Bishwanath Sinha in connection with the Centre’s Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, scheduled to be observed from August 9 to August 17. The communication referred to the nationwide commemoration marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, which has been integrated into the campaign.
The letter stated that physical celebrations during the campaign period would include collective singing of Vande Mataram along with the display or hoisting of the national flag. It also mentioned that digital participation would take place through the Har Ghar Tiranga portal, where citizens can upload selfies with the Tricolour. The communication further indicated that instructions issued by the Government of India regarding the recitation of Vande Mataram would be followed.
However, Muraleedharan maintained that Kerala government programmes would continue to adhere to the state’s established practices. He pointed out that central protocols are generally followed during events attended by the Governor, including official ceremonies such as oath-taking functions, but not in routine state government programmes.
Congress MP Rajmohan Unnithan also opposed the full rendition of the national song at state events. He stated that the song would continue to be rendered in the same manner as it has been in the past and rejected the idea of introducing a full version in Kerala government functions.
Meanwhile, the opposition CPI(M) has also criticised the communication and demanded that it be withdrawn. The party alleged that such directions align with the ideological agenda of the RSS and accused the state government of yielding to external pressures.
The issue has sparked a fresh political debate in the state, with parties divided over the interpretation and implementation of the Centre’s directions related to the national song during the ongoing Har Ghar Tiranga celebrations.
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