A fresh controversy erupted in Kerala on Friday over the national song Vande Mataram not being played in full in the legislative assembly, where Governor Rajendra Arlekar delivered the UDF government's first policy address. The governor told reporters that Lok Bhavan had insisted that the song should be sung in full, and the decision to play only a few lines amounted to a violation of protocol.
Governor's Statement
"Whenever the governor is present at a function, Vande Mataram should be sung in its entirety. Lok Bhavan staff had specifically insisted the same, but they did not do so. I spoke to the speaker on this issue. Let us see if they will rectify," Arlekar said.
Political Reactions
While the BJP Kerala camp came out in support of the governor, Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan said the decision to play only a part of the song was perfectly fine. Vijayan said people were not supposed to stand up in respect for Vande Mataram when it is sung. "The song has to be ideally heard by sitting. Kerala has no obligation to implement the RSS agenda by singing Vande Mataram in full," Vijayan told reporters.
The recitation of Vande Mataram in full during the swearing-in ceremony of V D Satheesan as Chief Minister had previously kicked off a political controversy after CPM functionaries questioned the propriety of the same.
Kazhakuttom MLA V Muraleedharan said the state government insulted the governor and the national song on its 150th anniversary. "The government decision clearly reflects its willingness to bend to the positions of Jamaat-e-Islami and CPM, who question the place of Vande Mataram in public life," he said, adding that Satheesan should clarify since when Congress became uncomfortable with Vande Mataram.
Chief Minister's Response
Later, responding to questions, Chief Minister V D Satheesan said Parliament has not passed any law on how to sing or play Vande Mataram. "There are only some guidelines," he said, adding that the Congress government functions in accordance with the policy and politics of the party and the UDF government was bound to practice its politics.
