INL criticises IUML’s silence over Vande Mataram controversy

The Indian National League (INL) has alleged that the United Democratic Front (UDF) government is imposing Vande Mataram on the State in a manner desired by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and criticised the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) for remaining silent on the issue.In a statement issued on Monday (August 31), INL State general secretary Kasim Irikkur alleged that Keralam was being saffronised with the silence of the Muslim League leadership.He said the Lok Bhavan and the State bureaucracy, which, he alleged, were sympathetic to the RSS, were extremely happy after the UDF government succeeded in implementing the Sangh Parivar’s agenda even at public programmes.Referring to the recent Onam week celebrations in Thiruvananthapuram and the inauguration of the Uthrattathi Vallamkali at Aranmula, Mr. Irikkur alleged that Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Congress Ministers joined in singing the full version of Vande Mataram at the events.He said Cultural Affairs Minister P.C. Vishnunadh had justified the decision, saying that it would have amounted to a breach of protocol if the full version of Vande Mataram had not been sung when Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan was the chief guest.He criticised the IUML leadership for failing to protest against the development, accusing it of remaining indifferent and paralysed. Published - August 31, 2026 08:51 pm IST