The Kerala government has initiated a formal investigation into a controversial incident where children were filmed singing a song associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) aboard the newly inaugurated Vande Bharat Express. The incident has sparked significant political debate in the southern state.
Incident Details and Immediate Fallout
The controversial episode occurred on September 25, 2023, shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vande Bharat Express connecting Thiruvananthapuram and Kasargod. During the journey, a group of children performed a song that has been identified as the 'Shakha song' traditionally sung at RSS gatherings.
Visuals from the incident quickly circulated across social media platforms, showing the children enthusiastically singing while other passengers watched. The video footage captured the entire performance that took place within the premium train's coach, drawing immediate criticism from various political quarters.
Government Response and Investigation Order
Responding to the growing controversy, the Kerala government under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed the state police to conduct a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation aims to determine how the performance was organized and whether any rules were violated.
State authorities have raised questions about the appropriateness of such political displays on a public transport system meant for all citizens regardless of political affiliation. The probe will examine whether proper permissions were obtained for the recording and performance, and whether the event was pre-planned or spontaneous.
Political Reactions and Broader Implications
The incident has drawn sharp reactions from across the political spectrum. The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) has expressed serious concerns about what they term as the 'saffronization' of public spaces. Opposition parties have also weighed in on the controversy, with many calling for strict action against those responsible for organizing the performance.
This controversy emerges amid ongoing political tensions in Kerala between the ruling left coalition and right-wing organizations. The Vande Bharat Express, intended to symbolize India's technological progress in rail infrastructure, has now become embroiled in political controversy just days after its launch in the state.
The investigation ordered by the Kerala government represents the latest chapter in this unfolding story, with outcomes likely to influence future protocols regarding political expressions on public transportation systems across India.
