Kerala faces political row over 'Vande Mataram' recitation at oath ceremony

VD Satheesan's oath (Image/PTI)

NEW DELHI: After the controversy over the sequencing of songs played during Tamil Nadu CM Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony, a fresh political row has erupted in Kerala following the recitation of the full version of 'Vande Mataram' during the oath-taking ceremony of the new UDF Cabinet led by VD Satheesan. The CPI(M) has strongly criticised the move and called it inappropriate in a pluralistic society. The CPI(M) state secretariat on Tuesday said the decision to present the complete version of the national song went against earlier positions taken by the Congress Working Committee, which in 1937 had recommended omission of certain portions. The party also cited Constituent Assembly discussions in 1950, which it said reflected acceptance of only the first eight lines of 'Vande Mataram' as the official national song. In its statement, the CPI(M) argued that certain portions of the song reflect specific religious beliefs and said their inclusion in official ceremonies was not in line with India’s plural traditions. It alleged that the ceremony included sections that had earlier been excluded in official usage. The party also pointed out that even in BJP-ruled West Bengal, full renditions were not performed during swearing-in ceremonies and said governments should avoid actions that could “weaken the pluralistic character of society” or undermine secularism. The CPI(M) further said the timing was sensitive, as attempts to polarise society along communal lines were becoming more active, and urged all governments to uphold India’s secular framework. The BJP, however, strongly criticised the CPI(M), accusing it of 'insulting' the national song and attempting to appease 'vote-bank forces' such as Jamaat-e-Islami and SDPI. State BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the Left was distancing itself from Indian traditions and called its stand 'dangerous appeasement politics.' "The CPI(M) has now come forward questioning Vande Mataram in an attempt to hide the embarrassment of being completely rejected by the people," he said. Amid the political war of words, sources in the newly formed Kerala government clarified that it had no role in the selection of the programme, stating that the event was fully organised by Lok Bhavan, PTI reported. CPI(M) leader PA Mohamed Riyas raised concerns on social media, saying that only select portions of 'Vande Mataram' are traditionally performed, drawing a sharp response from BJP leaders who questioned the party's objections.

Tamil Nadu protocol row adds parallel controversy

The Kerala debate has also drawn parallels with a similar political and protocol controversy in Tamil Nadu, where questions were raised over the sequencing of songs at chief minister Vijay's swearing-in ceremony. CPI state secretary M Veerapandiyan had objected to the order in which the songs were presented, saying it went against long-standing state convention. In a letter issued after the ceremony, he said the traditional protocol in Tamil Nadu requires the Tamil invocation song to be played first, followed by the national anthem, rather than placing 'Vande Mataram' at the beginning of the event. Also Read | 'Play Tamil song before Vande Mataram': Row over national song at TVK chief Vijay's swearing in escalates "As per instructions issued by the Raj Bhavan, giving precedence to the song ‘Vande Mataram’ and placing Tamil in the third position in the programme schedule of the swearing-in ceremony organised by the Tamil Nadu government amounts to a violation of established convention," he said. He further argued that the issue had historical and ideological significance, pointing out that during the freedom struggle itself, it had been decided that 'Vande Mataram' could not serve as the national anthem in its full form due to objections over certain religious references. "The Tamil Nadu government must provide a public explanation identifying those responsible for this error," he added. The CPI leader also urged that the Tamil invocation song should be restored to its traditional position at the beginning of official events, while the national anthem should conclude ceremonies as per established practice.

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