Thiruvananthapuram (Keralam) [India], May 30 (ANI): CPI Kerala Secretary Binoy Viswam sparked a political row over the Vande Mataram controversy in the Keralam Legislative Assembly, asserting that the national song is not the national anthem and its rendition beyond specific stanzas is optional and historically limited.

His remarks came after Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan said that the full rendition of Vande Mataram is not mandatory, and after Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar expressed displeasure over the song not being played fully and being played only in instrumental form by the police band in the Assembly.

Reacting to the debate over the rendition of Vande Mataram in the Assembly, Viswam said it is not a national anthem and was never treated as one in independent India. He added that only the first two stanzas may be recited as an optional practice. 'Now, it is equal to Jana Gana Mana, the national anthem. There is no doubt about that. But Vande Mataram is not a national anthem anywhere. Throughout history, it was never treated as a national anthem in free India. There was an arrangement that, in specific cases, if they wish, the first two stanzas may be recited. That is also not mandatory; it is optional. Only the first two stanzas may be recited. From the third stanza onwards, it begins to refer to the gods and goddesses of a particular religion,' he told reporters.

He further added that objections to its recitation in certain formats had been raised even before Independence, saying, 'That is why the Congress, in pre-independence days, questioned the correctness of reciting Vande Mataram in such kinds of functions.'

Taking a swipe at the Governor, Viswam said, 'The Governor, no doubt, personally he is a good man, politically he is a Swayamsevak, which he readily agrees. So the Swayamsevak inside the Governor may not be happy with that. But the citizen of this country understands the reason behind that. Sometimes the Swayamsevak overtakes the citizen. Then come these kinds of statements. It is a rightful demand, rightful claim.'

The controversy erupted after the Keralam Legislative Assembly, for the first time in its history, began proceedings with the rendition of Vande Mataram, though only the opening portion was played by the police band in instrumental form.

The issue comes amid the governor's criticism over the manner of rendition, with concerns being raised about protocol and completeness of the song's presentation.

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also reacted sharply to the controversy, stating that citizens would not accept such positions.

'Citizens of this country are not going to stand such people who insult Vande Mataram, avoid saying 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' or raise questions on the existence of Ram. We can see the condition of such people,' Sai told the media on Friday.

The debate also comes against a wider backdrop of recurring disputes over protocol involving national and state songs. In Tamil Nadu, recent cabinet and swearing-in ceremonies have seen criticism over the placement of Tamil Thai Valthu, which was reportedly played third in official protocols, triggering political objections.

Opposition leaders had earlier also objected when Vande Mataram was given precedence during official events, including swearing-in ceremonies, with state ministers alleging that a new protocol circular influenced the change. (ANI)