BJP targets Kasaragod Collector over violation of Vande Mataram protocol

A major controversy has erupted in Kasaragod, Kerala, after several dignitaries sat down before the national song 'Vande Mataram' was completed during an official function. Following the incident, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a scathing attack on Kasaragod District Collector Sridhanya Suresh. The BJP alleges that IAS officer Sridhanya Suresh violated national protocol by sitting down after the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram were sung, while the remaining stanzas were still being performed.

According to an NDTV report, the incident occurred during the inauguration of a laboratory at the Muliyer Family Health Centre in Kasaragod. Vande Mataram was sung during the event. Available video footage shows that Kerala Minister K. Muraleedharan, MP Rajmohan Unnithan, MLA K. Mahin, and District Collector Sridhanya Suresh sat in their seats after the first two stanzas were completed. On the other hand, MLA K. Neelakandan and DCC President P. K. Faisal remained standing until the song concluded.

The video also reveals that while the remaining stanzas of the song were being sung, Minister K. Muraleedharan was seen conversing with others on stage. The incident has taken a political turn, and the BJP has announced that it will take strict action. The BJP stated that they would contact Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Governor of Kerala, and the state government to demand stringent measures against the District Collector.

Expressing outrage over the incident, BJP Kasaragod District President Ashwini M.L. said, "The Collector must follow the protocol of the Central Government; it is extremely sad and shocking that she did not remain standing." The BJP has specifically targeted the District Collector, dismissing the arguments put forward in defense of the Minister.

On the other hand, presenting his arguments, Minister K. Muraleedharan stated that there was no mention of 'Vande Mataram' in the schedule of the official function. He mentioned that the program only listed 'Ishwar Prarthana' or an invocation song, and no prior notice was given that the full version of Vande Mataram would be presented. Expressing confidence in his patriotism, Muraleedharan said, "I am the son of a freedom fighter. I do not need to prove my patriotism to anyone."

The Minister further argued that protocols prescribed by the Kerala Government should be followed for programs held under the jurisdiction of the Gram Panchayat. He contended that there was no necessity to include all stanzas of Vande Mataram in the program and raised questions regarding the decision to sing the full song under the invocation section. It remains to be seen whether the Union Ministry of Home Affairs will now investigate the matter.