CPI(M) accuses UDF govt. of ‘surrendering’ to BJP over Vande Mataram order

The CPI(M) on Sunday accused the UDF government of “surrendering to the BJP” after General Education Minister Shamsudheen defended the State government’s decision to implement Governor Rajendra Arlekar’s directive to sing the full version of Vande Mataram during Independence Day celebrations.

In a statement, K.V. Abdul Khader, secretary, CPI(M) Thrissur district committee, said the Minister’s reported remark that the State could not ignore the Raj Bhavan’s directive amounted to an admission that the UDF government was prepared to accept the Governor’s positions unquestioningly. “The Minister’s statement is proof that the UDF government has surrendered to the BJP,” the CPI(M) alleged.

Mr. Khader argued that the Governor, as the political nominee of the BJP-led Union government, was advancing the Centre’s agenda and that the State government’s decision to issue an official order based on his directive reflected a shift in its political stance.