CPI(M), CPI criticise Kerala University VC remark on Vande Mataram

Thiruvananthapuram: The opposition LDF on Sunday criticised Kerala University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Mohanan Kunnummal's remarks a day ago regarding singing of the Vande Mataram. Kunnummal had, while speaking at an RSS event, said that those who do not say Vande Mataram "do not know who their mother is".

Referring to his remark, CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan said it shows that "a VC was ready to say anything". "He is trying to implement the saffronisation agenda of the Sangh Parivar. That is why he goes to all RSS events and makes speeches that glorify the RSS. He is not behaving in a manner a VC should," Govindan alleged.

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CPI leader calls VC's remarks ‘regrettable’

Former state minister and Nedumangad MLA G R Anil termed the VC's remarks as "regrettable" and of "low standards". "It is humiliating for Keralites as a whole," the CPI leader said. Anil further alleged that the central government has taken up the national song as a means to "communally" divide people and make political gains out of it.

They should refrain from doing so, he added. He also claimed that the current state government, that of the Congress-led UDF, was taking an appeasing stand towards the Centre. The state government did not recite 'Vande Mataram' at its official Independence Day celebrations, despite a directive from the Union government.