A directive issued by Chief Secretary Bishwanath Sinha asking for the full rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ during this year’s Independence Day celebrations has created political unease within the UDF, particularly among the IUML. The move has also given the LDF an opportunity to intensify its allegations of an understanding between the UDF and BJP.

In a letter dated August 6, the Chief Secretary instructed that physical programmes held as part of the Independence Day celebrations should include the collective singing of ‘Vande Mataram’.

The directive referred to the Centre’s decision to observe the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign from August 9 to 17. It also noted that this year’s campaign has been linked to the third phase of the nationwide commemoration of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’, which was launched as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative.

The circular triggered criticism from several quarters, prompting General Education Minister N Samudheen to clarify that it was issued following directions from the Governor and that the state government had no role in framing it.

IUML national general secretary and Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty maintained that the UDF’s position was that there was no requirement to sing the national song in its entirety. He indicated that the party would decide on its further response after discussions with Chief Minister V D Satheesan.

However, organisations supporting the UDF have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the development. They argue that the government, which came to power accusing the CPM of being soft towards the RSS, has not demonstrated sufficient resistance to what they view as the Sangh Parivar’s political agenda.

Concerns have also grown among these groups over issues such as the Waqf Board and the PM SHRI scheme, which they believe have weakened the UDF’s anti-BJP credentials. Statements from several organisations on the Vande Mataram directive and the controversy surrounding V D Savarkar have further highlighted the growing discontent.

Wisdom Islamic Mission said patriotism should not require citizens to compromise their religious beliefs and urged the government to withdraw the Chief Secretary’s directive, arguing that it could undermine the secular character of the state.

The Welfare Party of India, Indian National League, Samastha Kerala Sunni Students Federation and Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen-Markazudawa also criticised the move. Social media accounts supportive of the UDF similarly stepped up criticism over what they described as the front’s growing accommodation of Sangh Parivar positions.

The LDF has seized on the controversy to target the UDF politically. Speaking at a press conference in Kannur, Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan alleged that the episode exposed an understanding between the BJP and UDF. He argued that the Constituent Assembly had decided that only certain portions of the song should be sung, and accused the UDF of now adopting an RSS-backed position.

CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam also questioned whether the UDF government was coming under the ideological influence of the RSS. He criticised the directive on full rendition of Vande Mataram and called on Chief Minister V D Satheesan to explain the reasoning behind the government’s position.A directive issued by Chief Secretary Bishwanath Sinha asking for the full rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ during this year’s Independence Day celebrations has created political unease within the UDF, particularly among the IUML. The move has also given the LDF an opportunity to intensify its allegations of an understanding between the UDF and BJP.

In a letter dated August 6, the Chief Secretary instructed that physical programmes held as part of the Independence Day celebrations should include the collective singing of ‘Vande Mataram’.

The directive referred to the Centre’s decision to observe the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign from August 9 to 17. It also noted that this year’s campaign has been linked to the third phase of the nationwide commemoration of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’, which was launched as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative.

The circular triggered criticism from several quarters, prompting General Education Minister N Samudheen to clarify that it was issued following directions from the Governor and that the state government had no role in framing it.

IUML national general secretary and Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty maintained that the UDF’s position was that there was no requirement to sing the national song in its entirety. He indicated that the party would decide on its further response after discussions with Chief Minister V D Satheesan.

However, organisations supporting the UDF have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the development. They argue that the government, which came to power accusing the CPM of being soft towards the RSS, has not demonstrated sufficient resistance to what they view as the Sangh Parivar’s political agenda.

Concerns have also grown among these groups over issues such as the Waqf Board and the PM SHRI scheme, which they believe have weakened the UDF’s anti-BJP credentials. Statements from several organisations on the Vande Mataram directive and the controversy surrounding V D Savarkar have further highlighted the growing discontent.

Wisdom Islamic Mission said patriotism should not require citizens to compromise their religious beliefs and urged the government to withdraw the Chief Secretary’s directive, arguing that it could undermine the secular character of the state.

The Welfare Party of India, Indian National League, Samastha Kerala Sunni Students Federation and Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen-Markazudawa also criticised the move. Social media accounts supportive of the UDF similarly stepped up criticism over what they described as the front’s growing accommodation of Sangh Parivar positions.

The LDF has seized on the controversy to target the UDF politically. Speaking at a press conference in Kannur, Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan alleged that the episode exposed an understanding between the BJP and UDF. He argued that the Constituent Assembly had decided that only certain portions of the song should be sung, and accused the UDF of now adopting an RSS-backed position.

CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam also questioned whether the UDF government was coming under the ideological influence of the RSS. He criticised the directive on full rendition of Vande Mataram and called on Chief Minister V D Satheesan to explain the reasoning behind the government’s position.