Thiruvananthapuram: A fresh political controversy has erupted in Kerala after Vande Mataram was not rendered in its entirety during the opening session of the 16th Kerala Assembly on May 29. The issue gained momentum following remarks by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who questioned the need to sing all the stanzas of the National Song at official functions, drawing sharp criticism from the BJP.
The controversy has triggered a wider debate on national symbols, protocol and the role of state governments in implementing directives issued by the Union government.
Tharoor questions full rendition requirement
Defending the position of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), Tharoor said respect for Vande Mataram does not require all its verses to be sung at every public event.
Speaking on the issue, the Congress leader stated that most people are familiar with the opening verses of the National Song and that standing in respect when it is sung reflects adequate regard for the composition.
“Vande Mataram is the National Song, and we stand up in respect when it is sung. The first verse, or the first couple of verses, is something most people know by heart,” Tharoor said.
He further argued that requiring the complete song to be sung at the beginning and end of official events amounted to an unnecessary imposition.
BJP launches attack on Congress
The BJP strongly criticised Tharoor’s remarks and accused the Congress of yielding to political pressure from its ally, the Indian Union Muslim League.
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged that the Congress was continuing a historical pattern of compromise on national symbols.
He claimed that the party was once again altering its stance on Vande Mataram due to pressure from coalition partners.
Poonawalla also disputed Tharoor’s reference to the song having five verses, pointing out that the complete composition consists of six stanzas.
The BJP maintained that rendering the full National Song is a matter of national respect and should not become a political issue.
Governor raises protocol concerns
The controversy was first highlighted by Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who expressed dissatisfaction over the manner in which Vande Mataram was presented during the Assembly session.
After addressing the Assembly, the Governor told reporters that his office had requested that the song be rendered fully whenever the Governor was present at an official function.
According to Arlekar, only an instrumental version was played by the police band instead of a complete rendition.
“We had insisted that whenever the governor is present, as per protocol, ‘Vande Mataram’ has to be sung fully. It was not sung, but only played by the band,” he said.
The Governor added that the issue had been discussed with Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan.
Union government directive cited
The debate comes in the backdrop of a directive issued by the Union government in October last year to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.
The directive reportedly advised states to render the song in its entirety during official programmes and commemorative events.
Since then, implementation of the directive has become a point of disagreement between the Centre and several opposition-ruled states.
Supporters of the directive argue that the complete rendition honours the historical significance of the National Song, while critics contend that existing guidelines do not mandate such a requirement.
Kerala government cites absence of legal mandate
Responding to the criticism, Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan stated that there is no law requiring Vande Mataram to be sung in full.
He argued that while guidelines exist regarding the National Song, Parliament has not enacted legislation making a complete rendition mandatory.
“Singing the Vande Mataram in full is not mandatory as there is no law enacted in that regard by Parliament. There are only some guidelines issued regarding the national song,” Satheesan said.
The Chief Minister’s remarks further intensified the political debate, with BJP leaders accusing the state government of disrespecting the National Song.
Political reactions intensify
BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari criticised the Congress, arguing that national symbols should not be subject to political considerations.
He stated that selectively interpreting protocols relating to Vande Mataram could weaken national unity.
Meanwhile, BJP leader V Muraleedharan accused the Congress leadership of distancing itself from the National Song and yielding to ideological allies.
The exchange of statements from both sides has transformed the issue into a major political flashpoint in Kerala.
Conclusion
The controversy over the rendition of Vande Mataram during the opening session of the Kerala Assembly has evolved into a broader political debate involving questions of protocol, national identity and state-centre relations. While the Congress-led government maintains that there is no legal requirement to sing the National Song in full, the BJP has accused it of undermining a symbol of national unity. With strong opinions emerging from all sides, the issue is likely to remain a subject of political discussion in the coming days.
