The halls of Kerala University echoed with the full verses of Vande Mataram not once, but twice during Tuesday’s National Sports Day celebrations—a move that has quickly spilled beyond the campus and into the heated arena of state politics.

  • Vande Mataram was sung in full at both the start and end of the event
  • Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and state ministers were present on stage
  • The inclusion followed a specific instruction from the Governor’s office

A Matter of Protocol

According to university officials, the song was added to the program after a direct request from the Governor’s office, tied to his attendance. Sports Minister O.J. Janeesh acknowledged the protocol, though he admitted he wasn’t entirely clear on the details. "I understood that a protocol existed when the Governor attended an official function," he said.

Political Reactions Ignite

Almost immediately, criticism flared from the CPI(M). Party state secretary M.V. Govindan called the full version of Vande Mataram a ‘Hindu song’ and questioned its place in a secular program. He went further, alleging a “deal” between Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and the RSS.

“Vande Mataram was a ‘Hindu song’ when rendered in full and could not be considered a secular composition.” — M.V. Govindan, CPI(M) State Secretary

Former Minister V. Sivankutty echoed the sentiment, framing the decision as political accommodation with the BJP.

Not the First Time

This isn’t an isolated incident. Just days earlier, a similar situation unfolded during Onam Week celebrations where Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan was present. There, too, Vande Mataram was sung in full, with Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh citing protocol requirements.

What began as a ceremonial inclusion has now become a litmus test for cultural and political allegiance in Kerala—a state where symbolism often speaks louder than speeches.