Kerala Minister Sits Down Before Vande Mataram Is Completed

Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has triggered a controversy after sitting down before the rendition of Vande Mataram was completed at an official event in Kasaragod. The incident took place during the inauguration of a new laboratory at the Mulleria Family Health Centre. Reports said the minister and some others on the dais attempted to take their seats after the first two stanzas, but the song continued.

Visuals reportedly showed the district collector, Kasaragod MP Rajmohan Unnithan and MLA K. Mahin also sitting down before the rendition ended. Meanwhile, MLA K. Neelakandan and DCC president P. K. Faisal remained standing until the song was completed. Muraleedharan had earlier stated that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram should be sung at official functions in Kerala. The incident has reignited political debate over the rendition of the national song at government events.