Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Full Vande Mataram at Kerala Onam Event Sparks Political Row
Kerala held a week-long celebration for Onam.
At the closing event, the complete version of Vande Mataram was sung.
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan attended the event.
The state government said it followed special rules for events with important national leaders.
CPI(M) leaders disagreed with the government’s explanation.
They said the full song had a Hindu character and questioned its use at the event.
They also accused the government of following the Sangh Parivar’s agenda.
The government said it could not change the protocol.
The celebrations ended with a large cultural procession in Thiruvananthapuram.
The full version of Vande Mataram was performed at Kerala’s official Onam celebrations’ closing ceremony.
Tourism Minister P C Vishnunadh said protocol required the rendition because Vice President C P Radhakrishnan attended.
The CPI(M) accused the Congress-led UDF government of yielding to the Sangh Parivar agenda.
CPI(M) leaders said the full song was Hindu in character and challenged Kerala’s secular tradition.
The week-long celebrations ended with a procession featuring traditional art, music and performers from across the country.
- Who
- The Kerala government, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and CPI(M) leaders were involved.
- What
- The complete version of Vande Mataram was performed at the closing ceremony of the official Onam celebrations.
- When
- The closing ceremony took place on Sunday, August 30, after a week-long celebration.
- Where
- The event was held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
- Why
- The government said the rendition followed protocol for programmes attended by the President, Vice President or Prime Minister; the CPI(M) disputed the move and criticized it.
CPI(M) Criticism
Government Explanation
Reason for the rendition
CPI(M) Criticism
CPI(M) leaders said the decision reflected the government’s surrender to the Sangh Parivar agenda.
Government Explanation
The government said the rendition was required by established protocol because the Vice President attended.
Character of the full song
CPI(M) Criticism
M V Govindan said the full version was a Hindu song and should not be treated as a secular composition.
Government Explanation
The government did not present the rendition as a change in its ideological position, saying it was a protocol matter.
Government authority over the programme
CPI(M) Criticism
CPI(M) leaders said the move insulted Malayalis and questioned Kerala’s secular tradition.
Government Explanation
P C Vishnunadh said the state had no say in altering the protocol, which was ensured by the respective secretariats.
- Event
- Closing ceremony of Kerala’s official week-long Onam celebrations
- Song
- The full rendition of Vande Mataram
- Chief guest
- Vice President C P Radhakrishnan
- Government explanation
- Established protocol for programmes attended by the President, Vice President or Prime Minister
- Government representative
- Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister P C Vishnunadh
- Opposition party
- CPI(M)
- Celebration finale
- A procession featuring traditional art forms, music and hundreds of performers