The BJP has accused the Kerala government of disrespecting the national song after only selected stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ were played
May 29, 2026: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday alleged that the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ was not sung in full during the Governor’s policy address in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, calling it an insult to Raj Bhavan and the constitutional office of the Governor. The controversy relates to the event held on Friday, where only the opening stanzas of the song were performed before and after Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar delivered his address.
Senior BJP leader V. Muraleedharan claimed there is a central directive requiring the complete rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ at events attended by Governors, but the rule was allegedly not followed in the Assembly. He criticised the government led by V. D. Satheesan and alleged that the decision reflected political pressure from ideological groups opposed to the full rendition of the national song.
The issue has further intensified an ongoing political debate in Kerala over the performance of ‘Vande Mataram’ at official events. Earlier, the full rendition of the song during the swearing-in ceremony of the UDF Cabinet had also triggered controversy, with Left parties objecting to it on grounds of secularism and inclusivity. The BJP has strongly protested the latest development and demanded clarification from the Congress leadership.