The Indian National Congress party in Kerala found itself in an acutely embarrassing situation after a public display of disrespect towards the National Anthem. The incident, which has sparked widespread criticism and political backlash, occurred during a party-organized event in the state capital.
Event Details and the Faux Pas
The controversy unfolded on Sunday, February 23, at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. The occasion was a massive public gathering named the 'Viksit Bharat-Viksit Kerala' program. The event was spearheaded by the District Congress Committee and saw the participation of numerous party workers and leaders.
As the program concluded, attendees were asked to stand for the National Anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana'. However, instead of the complete 52-second rendition prescribed by law, the gathering sang only the first stanza. This truncated version lasted a mere 20 seconds, cutting the anthem short and violating the official protocol.
Immediate Reactions and Political Fallout
The blunder did not go unnoticed. Political opponents, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), swiftly seized the opportunity to condemn the Congress. BJP leaders accused the party of showing blatant disrespect to the nation's most revered song. They highlighted the irony of the Congress, which often positions itself as a guardian of national values and constitutional propriety, committing such a fundamental error at its own official function.
Public reaction on social media and local news platforms was similarly critical. Many citizens expressed disappointment and anger, questioning the party's commitment to national symbols. The incident has put the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) leadership on the defensive, forcing them to manage a public relations crisis.
Broader Implications and Protocol
This incident brings to the forefront the strict guidelines governing the rendition of the National Anthem. The Constitution of India and subsequent government orders specify that the full version must be sung, respecting its designated duration and tempo. Any abbreviation is considered a serious breach of etiquette and, in public forums, a sign of disrespect.
For the Congress, this gaffe is more than just an operational error. It provides ammunition to its political rivals in a highly competitive state like Kerala. The BJP and other parties are likely to use this episode to question the Congress's patriotism and organizational discipline in the run-up to future elections. It serves as a stark reminder to all political entities about the critical importance of meticulously observing protocols related to national symbols during public events.
The party has not yet issued an official, detailed statement addressing the specific lapse, but internal discussions are undoubtedly underway to prevent a recurrence of such an embarrassing episode.
