KOZHIKODE: A directive from the Chief Secretary, which insisted that Vande Mataram should be recited in full during the Independence Day celebrations this year, has pushed the UDF government, especially the IUML, on the defensive. The sections which supported the UDF in the assembly elections have started casting aspersions on the front’s ‘commitment to resist the Sangh Parivar onslaught’, while the LDF stepped up its campaign over the ‘UDF-BJP deal’.
The letter from Chief Secretary Bishwanath Sinha dated August 6 said “all physical celebrations during this period shall combine the collective singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ with the hoisting/display of the National Flag.”
It said the Government of India has decided that Har Ghar Tiranga will be observed this year from August 9 to 17. “In continuation of the campaign launched in 2022 under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the 2026 edition has been integrated with the third phase of the nationwide commemoration of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram…,’ it stated.
As criticism mounted from various corners, General Education Minister N Samudheen clarified that the circular has been issued as directed by the governor and the state government has no role in it. IUML national general secretary and Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty said the UDF stand is that there is no need to sing ‘Vande Mataram’ in full and the party’s further reactions will be after meeting Chief Minister V D Satheesan.
But the pro-UDF organisations seem to be thoroughly unhappy with the developments.
Govt asked to withdraw chief secretary’s circular
They believe that the UDF government, which came to power alleging that the CPM was pussy-footing the RSS, is not showing enough vigil in resisting the Sangh Parivar agenda. They feel that a host of issues, including those related to the Waqf Board and PM SHRI, have dented the anti-BJP credentials of the UDF.
The disappointment is visible in the statements issued by various organisations on the Vande Mataram and V D Savarkar issues. Wisdom Islamic Mission said a citizen need not forsake his religious faith to prove his patriotism. In a statement, Wisdom general secretary T K Ashraf asked the government to withdraw the chief secretary’s circular as it amounts to an onslaught on secularism.
The Welfare Party of India, Indian National League, Samastha Kerala Sunni Students Federation (SKSSF) and Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen-Markazudawa also came out with similar statements. Pro-UDF social media handles were more bitter in lashing out at the ‘Sangh Parivar lenience’ of the UDF.
Sensing the political opportunity, LDF came out sharply against the circular. Addressing a press conference in Kannur, Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan said the developments have exposed the ‘BJP-UDF deal’. Singing the whole of Vande Mataram is the RSS agenda, which is now followed by the UDF. “It was decided in the Constituent Assembly that only the first few lines of the song need to be sung,” he said.
CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam wondered whether the UDF government was under RSS’ ideological slavery. “The UDF government has been taking actions indicating that it’s committed to protecting the interests of RSS. The government has issued a circular directing people to sing Vande Mataram in full at the Independence Day ceremonies. The chief minister should make clear what’s the interest behind this,” he said.