Singing Full Version of Vande Mataram Is RSS Policy, Not Accepted by the Nation; Decision Must Be Withdrawn, Says Pinarayi

Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan has criticised the Kerala government's decision to direct the complete rendition of Vande Mataram along with the national anthem during Independence Day celebrations, calling for the order to be withdrawn immediately.

He said the decision to sing the entire song was a serious matter and alleged that it reflected the RSS's position rather than an officially accepted national protocol. He said only the opening stanza needed to be sung and accused the UDF government of increasingly aligning itself with the RSS agenda.

He also pointed out that the government's decision contradicted the Congress's stated position that the entire Vande Mataram need not be sung. He also reminded that the song was also fully sung at the UDF ministry's swearing-in ceremony.

Pinarayi Vijayan said the decision to restrict the officially recognised portion of the song was intended to ensure inclusivity and preserve the secular character of the country. He alleged that the UDF government had been compromising on these principles since the beginning of its tenure.

He also criticised a questionnaire that reportedly praised V D Savarkar, alleging that it was part of the UDF government's broader understanding with the Sangh Parivar.

He said the Centre was attempting to glorify Savarkar and rewrite history. He added that the development should also be viewed in the context of Keralam implementing aspects of the Centre's new education policy, which he alleged was contributing to the presentation of a distorted version of history.