Kerala Health Minister's Controversial Move Over National Song Vande Mataram Triggers Political Row

A fresh political controversy has erupted in Kerala over the singing of the national song Vande Mataram in full at government functions. Health Minister K. Muraleedharan sat back in his seat during the inauguration of a government health centre in Kasaragod before the full song was played. The incident has triggered a war of words between the ruling and opposition parties. The BJP has demanded an apology from him, while the minister defended his move, saying he would not allow anyone to "hijack" the state government's programme. The incident took place during the inauguration of a laboratory at the Mulleria Family Health Centre on Monday. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the minister said, "I don't need to learn patriotism from anyone, I am the son of a freedom fighter." He clarified that as per the established policy of the state government, only the first two verses of'Vande Mataram'should be sung at government functions. He said a prayer should be completed as per the schedule, but the state government instead said that the song was sung at the same time.