CPM leader Mohammed Riyas criticises full rendition of Vande Mataram at VD Satheesan Cabinet swearing-in ceremony

CPM leader and former Kerala Minister P.A. Muhammad Riyas on Monday criticised the newly sworn-in UDF government over the rendition of the full version of Vande Mataram during the oath-taking ceremony of the V.D. Satheesan Cabinet.

In a social media post, Riyas expressed concern over the complete rendition of the national song, stating that officially only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram are generally accepted and commonly sung.

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He noted that certain stanzas of the song have historically remained controversial and asserted that singing it in its entirety goes against secular values and the pluralistic nature of society.

He said it was deeply troubling to mandate the full version of the song in a secular and pluralistic society, as some verses have long faced objections from minority communities.

Riyas stated that traditionally and officially, only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram are widely accepted and sung at public functions. He emphasised that the later verses contain portions that have historically triggered controversy and created anxieties among sections of the public.

He further pointed out that during preparations for the swearing-in ceremony, the new government had shown willingness to intervene and revise several other recommendations and directives issued by Lok Bhavan, the Governor’s official residence.

Riyas argued that the administration should have shown the same resolve in opposing Lok Bhavan’s insistence on the complete rendition of the song.

The CPM leader also referred to recent Supreme Court observations regarding the legal status of Vande Mataram. He clarified that the Central Government’s directive to sing the song serves only as an advisory to the states and is not legally mandatory.

He added that the apex court had clarified that no punitive action could be taken for non-compliance. Making it compulsory, he said, risks infringing upon constitutional freedoms and secular principles.

Riyas concluded his social media post by wishing the new V.D. Satheesan government success. He called upon the administration to safeguard Kerala’s pluralistic and secular public ethos while assuring constructive support for welfare and developmental initiatives.

The newly sworn-in V.D. Satheesan government in Kerala strictly followed the Central directive by reciting all six stanzas of Vande Mataram during its official swearing-in ceremony on Monday.

The full rendition drew attention as the protocol had reportedly not been followed during the recent swearing-in ceremony of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, despite the presence of senior Central leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs had issued the directive on January 28, 2026, marking the 150th anniversary of the song. The advisory stated that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram should be sung before the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, during official government functions and school assemblies.