Left vs BJP in Kerala over full ‘Vande Mataram’ recital at Satheesan’s swearing-in ceremony
New Delhi: A fresh political row has erupted in Kerala following the recitation of the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ during the swearing-in ceremony of the new UDF cabinet led by VD Thathasan, following a controversy over the sequencing of songs played at Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony. The CPM strongly criticized the move and called it inappropriate in a pluralistic society.The CPM state secretariat on Tuesday said the decision to present the full version of the national anthem went against the earlier stand taken by the Congress Working Committee, which had recommended dropping certain parts in 1937.The party also cited the Constituent Assembly’s deliberations in 1950, which it said accepted only the first eight lines of ‘Bande Mataram’ as the official national anthem.In its statement, the CPM argued that parts of the song reflected certain religious beliefs and said their inclusion in official ceremonies was not in line with India’s pluralistic traditions. It alleged that the program included sections that had previously been excluded from official use.The party also noted that even in BJP-ruled West Bengal, full representation was not made during the swearing-in ceremony and said governments should avoid actions that could “undermine the pluralistic character of society” or undermine secularism.The CPM also said the timing was sensitive, as efforts to polarize society on communal lines were becoming more active and urged all governments to support India’s secular framework.The BJP, however, has come down heavily on the CPM, accusing it of ‘insulting’ the national anthem and trying to appease ‘vote-bank forces’ like the Jamaat-e-Islami and the SDPI. State BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the Left had distanced itself from Indian tradition and termed its stance as ‘dangerous appeasement politics’.“The CPI(M) has now come forward to question the Vande Mataram in an attempt to hide the embarrassment of being completely rejected by the people,” he said.“Insulting caste just for political survival can never be called secularism. A prosperous Kerala needs unity, harmony and a secure society,” the Kerala BJP chief added. Amid the political war of words, sources in the newly formed Kerala government clarified that they had no role in selecting the event, saying the event was entirely organized by Lok Bhavan, PTI reported.CPIM leader PA Mohammad Rias raised concerns on social media, saying only selected parts of ‘Bande Mataram’ are traditionally performed, drawing sharp reactions from BJP leaders who questioned the party’s objection.
The Tamil Nadu protocol row adds to the parallel controversy
The Kerala controversy also drew parallels with a similar political and protocol controversy in Tamil Nadu, where questions were raised about the order of songs at Chief Minister Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony.CPI state secretary M Veerpandian objected to the order in which the songs were presented, saying it went against long-standing state conventions. In a letter issued after the ceremony, he said the traditional protocol in Tamil Nadu required the Tamil invocation song to be played first, followed by the national anthem, instead of having ‘Vande Mataram’ at the beginning of the ceremony.Also Read | ‘Play Tamil song before Bande Mataram’: TVK clash over national anthem at Pradhan Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony“According to the instructions issued by the Raj Bhavan, giving prominence to the song ‘Vande Mataram’ and placing Tamil third in the schedule of the oath ceremony program organized by the Tamil Nadu government amounts to violation of established conventions,” he said.He also argued that the issue has historical and ideological significance, noting that it was during the freedom struggle itself that it was decided that ‘Bande Mataram’ could not be performed as the national anthem in its entirety due to objections to certain religious references.“The Tamil Nadu government must issue a public explanation identifying those responsible for this lapse,” he added.The CPI leader also requested that the Tamil invocation song should be restored to its traditional position at the start of ceremonial events, while the national anthem should end the events as per established practice.
