CPI(M) accuses UDF govt. of ‘surrendering’ to BJP over Vande Mataram order

The CPI(M) has accused the UDF government of "surrendering to the BJP" following the General Education Minister's defense of the State government's decision to enforce Governor Rajendra Arlekar's directive to sing the complete version of Vande Mataram during Independence Day events. K.V. Abdul Khader, secretary of the CPI(M) Thrissur district committee, stated that the Minister's assertion that the State could not ignore the Raj Bhavan's directive implies the UDF government's readiness to accept the Governor's opinions unquestioningly.

Khader argued that the Governor, acting as the political representative of the BJP-led Union government, is pushing the Centre's agenda, and the State government's response to his directive indicates a change in its political alignment. The CPI(M) also criticized the government's attitude towards the Governor, accusing the Chief Minister and his Cabinet of avoiding confrontation with the Governor and implementing every directive he issues.

Comparing the current administration with the previous LDF-led government under Pinarayi Vijayan, Khader noted that the latter had consistently opposed the Governor's "pro-BJP stances," while the present government believes it must comply with the Governor's directives. The CPI(M) labeled the Minister's remarks as "deceptive" and a betrayal of the government's previously expressed stance.