VD Satheesan Defends Vande Mataram Protocol at Vice Prez Functions
"Can we not invite the Vice-President. We will invite the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister of India to state government programme. There is no doubt about that," Satheesan said
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan on Wednesday reiterated that only two stanzas of Vande Mataram would be sung at official events organized by the state government. However, the Centre’s protocol of the full rendition would apply during official functions attended by constitutional heads like the President, Vice President, Governor, and Prime Minister. The Chief Minister’s remarks came amid controversy over the full rendition during the closing ceremony of the week-long Onam celebrations on August 30, where Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, as chief guest, flagged off the cultural procession. Vande Mataram was also sung in full at a Kerala University event marking National Sports Day on September 1, inaugurated by Governor Rajendra Arlekar, who is also the Chancellor.
When a reporter asked whether the UDF had followed the instructions of the BJP-led government at the Centre on Vande Mataram, the Chief Minister replied, “Did you hear the song anywhere on August 15? There were state-sponsored programmes on Independence Day in all 14 districts. Forget two stanzas— not a single line of the national song was recited during the state government events on Independence Day.”
The Chief Minister drew a distinction between state government events and functions attended by constitutional heads. “When the Indian President, Vice President, or Prime Minister arrive, the Centre’s protocol applies. As per that protocol, the national song should be rendered in full. The state government has no right to reject it,” Satheesan said, adding that this was happening everywhere in India.
Satheesan said the Congress party’s official position is that only two stanzas of the song need to be sung, and these will be recited at party programmes and other official events. He added that the Indian President, Vice President, and Prime Minister will be invited to state government functions, leaving no room for doubt on the matter.
