Sun Nov 09 06:53:38 UTC 2025: Summary:
A political controversy has erupted in Kerala, India, after schoolchildren were engaged to sing a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) anthem during the inauguration of the Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express. Kerala’s General Education Minister has ordered an investigation into potential violations of educational laws. The ruling CPI(M) party accuses the central government and the BJP of promoting RSS ideology through state events. Union Ministers defended the performance, arguing the song was patriotic and unifying. The controversy has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, with the Southern Railways facing backlash for posting the song on social media.
News Article:
Kerala Government Investigates RSS Anthem Controversy at Vande Bharat Express Event
Thiruvananthapuram, November 9, 2025 – A political storm is brewing in Kerala following the use of schoolchildren to sing a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) anthem, known as “Gana Geetham,” at the flagging-off ceremony of the Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express on Saturday.
Kerala’s General Education Minister, V. Sivankutty, has initiated an investigation into the incident, tasking the Director of General Education to determine if any violations of the Kerala Educational Act and Rules occurred. The Minister condemned the use of children to promote a political agenda, calling it a violation of the Constitution and children’s rights. He questioned the Southern Railway’s explanation that the children were merely singing their school anthem, pointing out the absence of a uniform school anthem in Kerala.
The ruling CPI(M) party has accused the BJP-led central government of attempting to inject RSS ideology into state events, undermining official protocol. The party alleges the RSS seeks to replace the national anthem with its own anthem at official functions.
However, Union Ministers from Kerala defended the children’s performance. Union Minister Suresh Gopi dismissed concerns, stating the song was an expression of youthful enthusiasm. Union Minister George Kurian emphasized the patriotic nature of the song, highlighting its references to social reformers and its message of national unity.
The controversy ignited after Southern Railways posted a recording of the anthem on social media, drawing criticism from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, and AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal. The investigation is expected to further escalate the political tensions between the state and central governments.
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