Thiruvananthapuram, 15 August (H.S.):The Kerala government omitted Vande Mataram from its official Independence Day celebrations across the State on Saturday, with only the national anthem included in programmes attended by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and other Ministers.

At the main State-level celebration at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, where the Chief Minister was the chief guest, the ceremony concluded without a rendition of Vande Mataram. The song was also excluded from district-level functions attended by Ministers and Independence Day programmes held in schools.

According to officials, the ceremonies followed a circular issued by the State Protocol Department directing that only the national anthem be sung.

However, the full version of Vande Mataram was rendered during the Independence Day celebration at the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, where Mayor V.V. Rajesh hoisted the national flag.

Addressing the gathering, Rajesh said the country's people had begun a new journey of progress and that the Corporation was moving forward by inspiring greater hope among residents.

The song was also sung in full at the Independence Day programme held at Mararji Bhavan, the BJP's State headquarters.

The government's decision came amid controversy over an earlier circular issued by the Chief Secretary directing that the complete version of Vande Mataram be sung. The government had clarified that the Chief Secretary had merely forwarded a circular issued by the Union Ministry of Culture. Though the circular was not formally withdrawn, the State decided against including the song in its official programmes.

A disagreement also surfaced at the Kozhikode Corporation's celebration. After the flag-hoisting ceremony, the Mayor and LDF councillors sang the national anthem, while BJP councillors simultaneously rendered Vande Mataram separately.

The BJP councillors claimed they had informed the Mayor beforehand about their decision to sing the song. Deputy Mayor Dr. Jayasree, however, denied receiving any such communication.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman