Kozhikode: Former minister and Beypore MLA-elect P A Mohamed Riyas stated that the remarks made by Chief Minister V D Satheesan regarding the full rendering of Vande Mataram during the swearing-in function have validated the stance raised by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on the issue.
CPM's Stand on Vande Mataram
Riyas, in a Facebook post, said, "We had pointed out that singing the full version of Vande Mataram, beyond just the opening lines, at the UDF government's swearing-in ceremony was against the idea of secularism upheld by the Constitution. The Chief Minister's statement on Wednesday has confirmed that the criticism we raised was valid. A constructive opposition's duty and the responsibility of upholding secularism have been carried out here."
Different Opinion on CM's Awareness
Riyas noted that although the CPM holds a different opinion regarding the Chief Minister's remark that he was unaware the full version of Vande Mataram would be sung, they are not raising that issue now, considering this is a new government. He emphasized that the party chooses to focus on the broader principle rather than the specifics of the Chief Minister's knowledge.
Earlier on Monday, Riyas had expressed that only the first two stanzas of the song have generally been officially sung at public functions. This comment underscored the party's long-standing position on the matter.
The controversy erupted after the full version of Vande Mataram was sung at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government, leading to criticism from the CPM and other secular parties. The Chief Minister's subsequent clarification has now been seen as an endorsement of the CPM's concerns.
