Kerala CPI(M) slams UDF government over Vande Mataram directive

CPI(M) Secretary MV Govindan has accused the Congress-led UDF government in Kerala of following the BJP's agenda following a directive to sing the full version of 'Vande Mataram' during Independence Day celebrations.

Chief Secretary Bishwanath Sinha issued the order on August 6, citing communication from the Union Ministry of Culture. Govindan criticized the move, alleging that the later stanzas of the 1875 composition "contain Hindutva positions" and are inconsistent with the secular character of the Indian freedom movement. He noted that historical leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi had previously advocated for singing only the first two stanzas.

In addition to the anthem controversy, Govindan accused the VD Satheesan-led UDF government of adopting "pro-corporate" policies and a "soft Hindutva" approach. Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan also condemned the directive, demanding its immediate withdrawal and labeling it an imposition of the RSS agenda.