Kerala CM Satheesan Explains State's Position on Vande Mataram Protocol Row

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has dismissed the controversy surrounding the rendition of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram at recent State events, including the Onam Week pageantry flag-off and Kerala University Sports Day. He questioned whether the State should refrain from inviting the Vice-President to an Onam event simply because Central protocol requires the national song to be performed in a particular manner when constitutional authorities are present.

Satheesan said the State government is required to follow Central protocol at events attended by the President, Vice-President or Prime Minister. He made the remarks while addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, where he responded to criticism over the rendition of the full version of Vande Mataram. The issue has drawn attention because of differences over how the song should be performed at official functions involving senior constitutional dignitaries.

The Chief Minister said the Congress and the State government have their own position on Vande Mataram. He pointed to the Independence Day celebrations as evidence of the State's approach, noting that only two stanzas were sung during the occasion. His remarks sought to distinguish the government's established position from situations in which official protocol applies because of the presence of senior constitutional office-holders.

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The controversy arose after all six stanzas of Vande Mataram were reportedly rendered at events attended by the Vice-President, including the Onam Week pageantry flag-off and Kerala University Sports Day. The performances prompted questions over whether the full rendition was required under the applicable protocol. Satheesan's comments indicate that the government views compliance with Central protocol as necessary when such high-ranking dignitaries attend official programmes.

Satheesan also questioned whether protocol-related requirements should prevent the State from extending invitations to constitutional dignitaries for cultural and public celebrations. His remarks came amid a wider discussion over the role and rendition of Vande Mataram at government functions. The Chief Minister maintained that the State has demonstrated its own position on the song while also recognising its obligation to adhere to prescribed procedures at events involving the President, Vice-President or Prime Minister.

The remarks are likely to keep the focus on the balance between the State government's position and Central protocol at official events. Satheesan's clarification suggests that the government does not regard compliance with protocol as a change in its broader position on Vande Mataram. Instead, he said the distinction lies in the nature of the event and the constitutional dignitaries attending it, with official requirements applying in such circumstances.

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