‘Don’t teach me patriotism’: Kerala minister walks away as Vande Mataram is sung in full

On Monday, November 9, 2026, Kasaragod Health Minister K. Muraleedharan defied convention by leaving his seat before the full rendition of Vande Mataram was completed at a State government event in Kasaragod. The BJP quickly seized upon the incident, demanding an apology from the Minister. Muraleedharan defended his decision, stating he would not allow anyone to "hijack" a State government function, and emphasized his own patriotism as the son of a freedom fighter.

The State government's policy specifies only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram should be sung at its events, though a prayer is typically held. BJP members Rajmohan Unnithan and K. Mahin also sat down during the song, but MLA K. Neelakandan and DCC president P.K. Faisal remained standing until the entire anthem was played. The controversy has reignited the debate over the Centre's directive to play Vande Mataram in its entirety at official functions, with the Congress maintaining that the first two stanzas are sufficient.