Keralam Health Minister returns to seat early during Vande Mataram song, triggers political row

Keralam Health Minister K. Muraleedharan sat down before the full song of Vande Mataram ended at an official State government event in Kasaragod on November 9, 2026, sparking a demand for an apology from the BJP. The incident happened during the opening of a lab at the Mulleria Family Health Centre. Mr. Muraleedharan defended his choice by stating that he will not let anyone hijack a State government function. He also noted that he does not need lessons in patriotism because he is the son of a freedom fighter and late Congress leader K. Karunakaran. According to the State government's rule, only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram should be sung at its events. The Minister explained that a prayer was planned on the schedule, but the song was sung instead. He added that the official protest was shown right then. Footage showed that Kasaragod MP Rajmohan Unnithan, MLA K. Mahin, and the District Collector also sat down before the song finished. Meanwhile, MLA K. Neelakandan and DCC president P.K. Faisal stayed standing until the entire song ended. The Minister and others tried to sit after the first two stanzas, but the song kept going. Visuals also showed the Minister talking to people nearby while the song was playing.

Context

This event takes place amid a wider political debate over a directive from the Central government to sing the full version of Vande Mataram at official programs. The Congress party maintains that singing only the first two stanzas is enough. State officials follow local guidelines for government functions while navigating differing protocols between state and central events.