Vande Mataram politics returns to centre stage in Keralam as Onam festivities end
A political controversy has emerged in Kerala regarding the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram at a government-sponsored event. The CPI(M) has criticized the Congress party for allegedly aligning with Hindutva ideologies by allowing the full song to be performed.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between political parties in India over national symbols and their perceived religious connotations.
Politics over Vande Mataram resurfaced in Keralam again as Onam holidays drew to a close on Monday (August 31, 2026). A choir rendered the six-stanza version of the song at the conclusion of the Keralam government-sponsored Onam week pageantry, flagged off by Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan from an elevated VIP podium erected for the occasion in front of the Lok Bhavan on Sunday evening, re-igniting the controversy.
Keralam Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh were on the dais with Mr Radhakrishnan when the colourful procession swept past the Lok Bhavan and slowly meandered down the arterial M.G. Road, overwhelmed by holiday crowds.
The flag-off ceremony debatably marked a departure from the Keralam government’s decision not to sing Vande Mataram in full during the Independence Day celebrations on August 15.
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