Thiruvananthapuram: A dispute has erupted within the Kerala government over the full rendition of Vande Mataram during Independence Day celebrations in the state. Chief Secretary Bishwanath Sinha has directed that the national song be sung in full as part of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ (Tricolour in every home) campaign being held in connection with Independence Day.

However, Vande Mataram has not been included in the official Independence Day programmes organised at the state and district levels or at government offices. These official events are arranged by the State Protocol Wing, operating under the General Administration Department (GAD).

The government clarified that the Chief Secretary’s directive applies only to the informal campaign being conducted under the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ banner.

Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty said there was no need to sing Vande Mataram in full. Minister Ramesh Chennithala said he was unaware of the directive and would look into the matter. Minister N. Samsudheen said the directive was neither issued by the state government nor a new development, noting that the Chief Secretary would have to issue such a directive if asked to do so by the Raj Bhavan.

Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan and CPM state secretary M.V. Govindan demanded that the directive be withdrawn, alleging that the demand to sing Vande Mataram in full reflected the RSS agenda.

The Chief Secretary's action followed a directive from the Union Ministry of Culture. Traditionally, only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram have been sung. The decision to require its full rendition is attributed to the Central Government.