No Vande Mataram at Kerala I-Day event; BJP alleges surrender to extremists
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Kerala government of "surrendering to extremists" after the national song Vande Mataram was reportedly not played at an Independence Day function organised by the state government.
The function, held in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, was one of the several events marking India's independence. The absence of Vande Mataram, a song deeply associated with the freedom struggle, drew sharp criticism from the BJP, which alleged that the omission was a deliberate act to appease radical elements.
"It is unfortunate that Vande Mataram was not played at the official Independence Day function in Kerala. This is nothing but a surrender to extremist forces," a senior BJP leader said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The party's state unit also called for an explanation from the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government.
Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, was a rallying cry during India's independence movement. It is formally recognised as the national song, although the Constitution does not specify any legal obligation to play it at state functions. The song has occasionally been the subject of controversy, particularly when its use has been resisted in certain regions or communities for religious reasons.
Political reactions followed swiftly. While the BJP demanded accountability, some civil liberties groups pointed out that the choice of songs at public events is not legally mandated and should not be politicised. Kerala's ruling front has not issued an immediate response to the allegations.
This is not the first time the state has faced such criticism. In previous years, the BJP has alleged that the Kerala government has been soft on anti-national forces, a charge dismissed by the state's political leadership as politically motivated.
The incident has reignited the debate over the place of Vande Mataram in public ceremonies. While the song holds historical significance, its mandatory use remains a sensitive issue, with differing views across political and religious lines.
As India celebrated its democratic heritage, the episode underscores the ongoing tensions around expressions of patriotism and the political interpretations attached to them.
