Kerala, November 10, 2025: The political temperature in Kerala escalated on Monday as BJP Kerala Chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar accused the state government of creating a “manufactured controversy” over school students singing a song associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) aboard the newly inaugurated Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express. Chandrasekhar’s remarks came a day after the Kerala government ordered an official probe into the incident.

Speaking to reporters and the media, Chandrasekhar asserted that there was nothing inappropriate about students singing an inspirational or patriotic song while travelling, and accused the Left-led state government of deliberately blowing up the incident to divert public attention from its governance issues.

Allegations of Diversion

“There is nothing to prevent people from singing an inspirational song about the country,” Chandrasekhar said. He alleged that the Pinarayi Vijayan government, which has been in power in Kerala for the last decade, was facing several challenges, and the song controversy was a deliberate attempt to distract the public. “It is a manufactured controversy by a communist government that has been increasingly under siege for the last 10 years of corruption and misgovernance,” he added.

Chandrasekhar cited multiple incidents to substantiate his claims. He pointed to recent controversies surrounding the death of a patient at a government medical college hospital, which raised allegations of medical negligence, and the death of a woman at a state-run hospital during childbirth. The BJP leader also referred to the missing gold from the Sabarimala temple, implying that the government has been failing to address major issues in the state.

“In the middle of all these ongoing challenges, the Left government chose a patriotic song sung by schoolchildren on the Vande Bharat Express to manufacture a controversy. Have they forgotten Article 19, which guarantees citizens the freedom of speech and expression, including the right to sing?” Chandrasekhar asked.

Constitutional Right and Patriotic Expression

Chandrasekhar emphasized that singing patriotic songs is fully protected under the Constitution. “Which part of the Constitution says that you cannot sing a patriotic song?” he questioned, terming the entire row as “ridiculous.” He argued that the state government’s opposition to the song reflected political bias, rather than any genuine administrative or legal concern.

The BJP leader specifically alleged that the Left government’s objection stemmed from the song’s association with organizations such as the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and Jamaat-e-Islami, and claimed that the government was trying to suppress certain voices in the public sphere. “The SDPI and Jamaat-e-Islami would not decide what is right and wrong in Kerala. The people of the state will decide,” he said, emphasizing the primacy of democratic public opinion over selective political intervention.

Threats to Students and BJP’s Stand

Chandrasekhar also warned that any attempt by the government to intimidate school students who sang the song would be met with strong opposition from the BJP. “If the government threatens any school student over the singing of the song, the BJP will strongly oppose such action,” he said, underlining the party’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of citizens, especially children, to express patriotic sentiment freely.

Background of the Incident

The controversy originated when a group of school students reportedly sang an RSS-affiliated song aboard the Vande Bharat Express, a train service inaugurated recently to connect Ernakulam in Kerala with Bengaluru. The video of the students singing the song circulated widely on social media, prompting reactions from various political quarters. The Kerala government subsequently ordered an inquiry into the matter, triggering criticism from the BJP and allied organizations.

The incident highlights the intersection of politics, religion, and patriotism in Kerala, a state known for its politically active population and intense ideological competition between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition parties. Patriotic songs, particularly those associated with ideological organizations like the RSS, have often become flashpoints in Kerala’s highly charged political climate.

Broader Political Implications

Chandrasekhar’s intervention signals an attempt by the BJP to position itself as a defender of democratic freedoms, especially in contexts involving youth and patriotic expression. By framing the row as a “manufactured controversy,” he sought to portray the state government as overly sensitive, politically motivated, and out of touch with constitutional rights.

Political analysts note that the controversy could have broader implications beyond the immediate incident. The episode provides the BJP an opportunity to criticize the Left government on multiple fronts, leveraging existing grievances among citizens regarding governance issues, healthcare, and administrative inefficiencies.

Government Probe

Meanwhile, the Kerala government’s probe aims to ascertain the circumstances under which the song was sung, the role of school authorities, and whether the students were influenced by external political or ideological groups. Officials have maintained that the investigation is being conducted strictly as an administrative inquiry, focused on understanding the context and ensuring that public institutions, such as schools and transport services, remain non-partisan spaces.

The probe has been ordered in response to public concerns and media attention, highlighting the government’s intent to maintain oversight and accountability. However, the move has been portrayed by BJP leaders as an example of excessive state intervention in a matter that, according to them, falls squarely under the rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

Public Discourse and Reactions

The row has sparked debate among citizens, educators, and political commentators in Kerala. While some defend the students’ right to express patriotism freely, others question whether schools and public transportation are appropriate spaces for singing ideologically affiliated songs.

The episode reflects a broader debate in India about the balance between freedom of expression, ideological neutrality in public institutions, and the role of government oversight. It also underscores the challenges faced by political parties in navigating issues that intertwine youth, education, patriotism, and ideological affiliations.

Conclusion

The RSS song controversy aboard the Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express has emerged as more than a simple dispute over a school activity. It has become a flashpoint for political debate in Kerala, highlighting tensions between the BJP and the Left government over democratic freedoms, governance, and ideological influence.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s strong statements accusing the government of manufacturing the controversy reflect the BJP’s broader strategy to engage with youth-related issues and defend constitutional rights. As the Kerala government continues its probe, the incident is likely to remain a focal point in public discourse, raising important questions about political accountability, ideological expression, and the scope of administrative oversight in educational and public settings.

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