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Kerala Governor Rebukes Government Over 'Vande Mataram' Performance

A dispute has arisen in Kerala following the state police band's partial performance of 'Vande Mataram' at the 16th Kerala Assembly's opening session on May 29, 2026. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar expressed strong disapproval of the government's decision to limit the song's rendition.

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Key takeaways

  • The Kerala Governor has criticized the government for a limited rendition of 'Vande Mataram'.
  • The incident occurred at the opening session of the 16th Kerala Assembly on May 29, 2026.
  • Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar took strong exception to the decision.
  • The state police band's performance of the song was restricted.

A political disagreement has emerged in Kerala after the state police band did not play the full 'Vande Mataram' during the opening session of the 16th Kerala Assembly. The incident occurred on Friday, May 29, 2026, in Thiruvananthapuram.

Following his policy address, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar voiced significant objections to the government's directive concerning the national song. The Governor took strong exception to the restriction placed on the law enforcement's brass band, which prevented the complete performance of 'Vande Mataram'.

Sources reviewed

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