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.
The article reports on the accusations made by political figures from both sides, maintaining a neutral reporting stance on the conflict.
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