Thiruvananthapuram, 17 May (H.S.): With only hours remaining before Kerala witnesses a major political transition under Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan, attention is not solely on the new ministry or cabinet composition. Political circles are now closely watching a protocol-related question surrounding Monday’s swearing-in ceremony — whether Vande Mataram will be included in the official proceedings.

The discussion has gained momentum following the controversy that erupted during the recent swearing-in of the new government in neighbouring Tamil Nadu under Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

At the May 10 ceremony in Chennai, the newly elected TVK government departed from the state’s traditional protocol by beginning the event with Vande Mataram. Tamil Nadu government functions have historically started with the state song Tamil Thai Vazhthu and concluded with the national anthem. However, at Vijay’s oath-taking ceremony, Vande Mataram was reportedly played first, followed by the national anthem, while the state song was shifted to a later position in the sequence.

The deviation triggered criticism and protests from several political parties, including the DMK, which questioned the alteration of long-established state traditions and ceremonial practices.

Tamil Nadu government sources later reportedly explained that the inclusion of Vande Mataram had been done following directions linked to new protocol instructions from the Union Home Ministry and based on a request from the Governor’s office.

The issue assumes greater significance in Kerala because Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar — who currently holds additional charge of Tamil Nadu — will administer the oath of office to V.D. Satheesan and his council of ministers on Monday. Arlekar had also presided over Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony in Chennai.

The debate has also drawn comparisons with events in West Bengal. On May 9, during the swearing-in ceremony of the state’s new government, Vande Mataram was not included despite the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior leaders. The event, held on Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary, was conducted in front of Tagore’s portrait.

With Kerala preparing for a new government to assume office, attention is now shifting beyond politics and towards ceremonial details, making the swearing-in event a subject of wider public and political interest.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman