Thiruvananthapuram, May 29: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar expressed displeasure after only portions of the song Vande Mataram were played during the policy address session in the Kerala Assembly on Friday.
The controversy erupted after a band team played only the opening stanzas of Vande Mataram before and after the Governor’s address during the United Democratic Front government’s policy session.
Speaking to the media after leaving the Assembly, the Governor said proper protocol must be followed whenever the Governor attends official functions.
Vande Mataram Controversy In Kerala
Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar stated that the complete version of Vande Mataram should be rendered whenever the Governor is present at official events.
“The song was not sung completely, it was only played,” he said. He also confirmed that he had already discussed the matter with Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan.
Meanwhile, the BJP criticised the Kerala government over the issue. Senior BJP leader V. Muraleedharan alleged that not playing the full version of Vande Mataram insulted both the Governor and constitutional traditions.
Muraleedharan said Central government guidelines require the complete rendition of Vande Mataram during functions attended by Governors. He claimed the Kerala government failed to follow those directions.
He further alleged that the government was influenced by the views of organisations such as Jamaat-e-Islami and CPM regarding the song.
The issue has once again triggered political debate in Kerala over protocol, nationalism and the use of Vande Mataram at official events.
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