VD Satheesan’s oath (Image/PTI)

New Delhi: Following the controversy over the order of songs played during the swearing-in ceremony of Tamil Nadu CM Vijay, a fresh political controversy has erupted in Kerala after the singing of the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ during the swearing-in ceremony of the new UDF cabinet led by VD Satheesan. CPM has strongly criticized this move and termed it inappropriate in a pluralistic society.The CPM state secretariat on Tuesday said the decision to present the full version of the national anthem goes against the earlier stand taken by the Congress Working Committee, which had recommended deletion of certain parts in 1937.The party also cited the discussions of the Constituent Assembly in 1950, which it said showed the acceptance of only the first eight lines of ‘Vande Mataram’ as the official national song.In its statement, the CPM argued that parts of the song reflected specific religious beliefs and said their inclusion in official ceremonies was not in line with India’s pluralistic traditions. It alleged that the function included sections that had previously been excluded from official use.The party also pointed out that even in BJP-ruled West Bengal, full presentations were not given during the swearing-in ceremony and said governments should avoid actions that could “weaken the pluralistic character of the society” or weaken secularism.The CPM further said that the time was sensitive, as efforts to polarize the society on communal lines were becoming more active, and urged all governments to maintain the secular structure of India.However, the BJP strongly criticized the CPM and accused it of ‘insulting’ the national anthem and attempting to appease ‘vote-bank forces’ like Jamaat-e-Islami and SDPI. State BJP president Rajeev Chandrashekhar said the Left was distancing itself from Indian traditions and termed their stance as ‘dangerous appeasement politics’.“In an attempt to hide the embarrassment of being completely rejected by the people, the CPI(M) has now come forward to question Vande Mataram,” he said.The Kerala BJP chief said, “Insulting the nation for mere political survival can never be called secularism. A developed Kerala requires unity, harmony and a secure society.” Amid the political war of words, sources in the newly formed Kerala government clarified that they had no role in the selection of the programme, PTI reported, adding that the program was entirely organized by Lok Bhavan.CPIM leader PA Mohammad Riyas expressed concern on social media, saying that traditionally only selected parts of ‘Vande Mataram’ are performed, to which BJP leaders reacted sharply and questioned the party’s objections.

Tamil Nadu protocol controversy adds to parallel controversy

The debate in Kerala has also been compared to a similar political and protocol controversy in Tamil Nadu, where questions were raised over the order of songs at the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister Vijay.CPI state secretary M Veerapandian had objected to the order of presenting the songs, saying it was against long-standing state tradition. In a letter released after the ceremony, he said that instead of having ‘Vande Mataram’ at the beginning of the program as per the traditional protocol in Tamil Nadu, the Tamil invocation song should be played first, followed by the national anthem.Read this also ‘Play Tamil song before Vande Mataram’: Controversy over national anthem erupts at TVK chief Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony“As per the instructions issued by the Raj Bhavan, giving priority to the song ‘Vande Mataram’ and keeping Tamil at the third position in the program program of the swearing-in ceremony organized by the Tamil Nadu government is in violation of the established tradition,” he said.He further argued that the issue has historical and ideological significance, pointing out that during the freedom struggle itself, it was decided that ‘Vande Mataram’ could not serve as the national anthem in its full form due to objections over certain religious references.“The Tamil Nadu government should issue a public clarification identifying those responsible for this error,” he said.The CPI leader also urged that the Tamil invocation song should be restored to its traditional position at the beginning of official functions, while the national anthem should conclude the ceremonies as per established practice.