# Kerala controversy over Vande Mataram mandate

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kerala-controversy-over-vande-mataram-mandate
> Updated: 2026-08-09T02:05:25.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

The Kerala government has issued a directive mandating the full rendition of the national song, "Vande Mataram," during Independence Day celebrations across the state. This order, issued by Chief Secretary Bishwanath Sinha, follows instructions from the Union Ministry of Culture and aligns with the "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign and the 150th anniversary of the song.

The mandate follows the passage of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which provides criminal protections to the song. 

The directive has drawn criticism from the CPI(M), which accused the Congress-led UDF government of adopting a "soft Hindutva" approach and following a BJP agenda. Political leaders argued that the full version of the composition is inconsistent with the secular character of the freedom movement and demanded the withdrawal of the order.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-09: Kerala CPI(M) slams UDF government over Vande Mataram directive

Kerala's CPI(M) has accused the UDF government of promoting an RSS agenda by mandating the full rendition of 'Vande Mataram' for Independence Day celebrations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kerala-cpim-slams-udf-government-over-vande-mataram-directive

### 2026-08-07: Kerala mandates full rendition of Vande Mataram for Independence Day

Kerala has mandated the full recitation of the national song

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kerala-mandates-full-rendition-of-vande-mataram-for-independence-day

---
Cite as: Kerala controversy over Vande Mataram mandate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kerala-controversy-over-vande-mataram-mandate