Kerala Governor Expresses Discontent Over Incomplete Singing of Vande Mataram
Kerala's Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has raised concerns over the incomplete rendition of 'Vande Mataram' during a recent assembly session. He emphasized the need for adherence to protocol in official events, particularly when the Governor is present. The BJP has criticized this incident, claiming it disrespects both the Lok Sabha and the national song. The political implications of this situation are significant, as the Governor has called for a resolution to ensure proper respect is given in future assemblies. This incident highlights ongoing tensions within Kerala's political landscape.
May 29, 2026, 13:25 IST
Governor's Displeasure at Assembly Protocol
On Friday, Kerala's Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar voiced his dissatisfaction regarding the incomplete rendition of 'Vande Mataram' during the policy address of the United Democratic Front (UDF) government in the state assembly. Speaking to reporters in the Lok Sabha after returning from the assembly, the Governor emphasized the importance of adhering to proper protocol during official ceremonies in the presence of the Governor. Prior to and following his policy speech in the Kerala assembly, a band performed the initial verses of 'Vande Mataram'. However, the full rendition of the song is deemed mandatory.
Governor's Call for Full Rendition
The Governor reiterated that whenever he is present in the assembly, the complete singing of 'Vande Mataram' should be obligatory. He pointed out that during the assembly session, the song was merely played and not sung. “It should be sung in full whenever the Governor is present. It was not sung; it was only played,” Arlekar stated. He also mentioned that he had already discussed this matter with the assembly speaker, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, and expressed hope for a resolution. 'Let’s see what happens next,' he added.
Political Reactions to the Incident
The BJP criticized the partial singing of 'Vande Mataram', labeling it as an insult to the Governor. The party alleged that during the Governor's policy address, the national song was not sung in its entirety, which they considered a disrespect to the Lok Sabha. Senior BJP leader and Kazhakuttam MLA V. Muraleedharan stated that there is a directive from the central government mandating the full rendition of 'Vande Mataram' at events attended by the Governor, which was not followed in the Kerala assembly. In a Facebook post, the former Union Minister remarked that this was an affront to both the Lok Sabha and the honorable Governor, and also disrespected the 150th anniversary of the national song. He accused the UDF government, led by V. D. Satheesan, of succumbing to pressure from the Jamaat-e-Islami and CPI(M).