Police launch probe after national anthem, Vande Mataram sung simultaneously at Kozhikode Corporation
Police in Kozhikode have launched an investigation following a dispute during an Independence Day ceremony where BJP councillors sang the national song while other officials sang the national anthem. Both sides have filed complaints alleging disrespect toward national symbols.
Why it matters
The incident highlights deep-seated political polarization and the sensitivity surrounding nationalistic displays in Indian local governance.
The police have launched a probe after the Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony at the Kozhikode Corporation on Saturday (August 15, 2026), during which different groups of councillors sang the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, and the national song, Vande Mataram , simultaneously.
Kozhikode Town police said they had received three complaints. Left Democratic Front (LDF) council party K. Rajeev, Leader of the Opposition in the council S.V. Mohammed Shameel Thangal of the UDF, and BJP councillor Navya Haridas filed complaints before District Police Chief (Kozhikode City) A.P. Shoukathali. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Kozhikode Town Sub-Division) T.K. Asharaf has been entrusted with the investigation of the complaints.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in