Row Erupts in Kerala Over Vande Mataram Not Being Sung Fully in Assembly Event

A political controversy has erupted in Kerala after the full rendition of Vande Mataram was reportedly not sung during a function attended by the Governor at the state Assembly complex.

Critics alleged that the move violated a directive issued by the Centre regarding official functions attended by the Governor. The incident has triggered sharp reactions from opposition leaders and political commentators, who described it as disrespectful to the Governor’s office, Lok Bhavan, and the national song during its 150th commemorative year.

The controversy also drew political attacks against the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led government, with accusations that the administration was yielding to ideological positions opposed to the public prominence of Vande Mataram.

Congress leader V. D. Satheesan was also asked by critics to clarify the party’s stand, with references made to the song’s historic association with the Indian National Congress, where it was first sung during the party’s 1896 session.

Supporters of the state government, however, argued that procedural and protocol matters were being unnecessarily politicized.

No official clarification has yet been issued by the Kerala Assembly Secretariat regarding why the song was not rendered in full. The issue is expected to intensify political debate in the state over nationalism, culture, and constitutional protocol.