Sat Nov 08 18:28:21 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on that summary:

Summary:

On November 8, 2025, the inaugural journey of the Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express was marred by controversy after a group of students sang a song associated with the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) onboard. This sparked political outrage and protests, with opposition leaders accusing the Railways and the BJP of promoting a communal agenda. The DYFI (Democratic Youth Federation of India) organized a protest march in Kochi. However, the BJP defended the performance, arguing that objecting to patriotic songs sung by anyone is unacceptable.

News Article:

RSS Song Rendition on Vande Bharat Express Sparks Political Row in Kerala

Kochi, India – November 9, 2025 – The maiden voyage of the Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express has been overshadowed by a political controversy after a group of students sang a song associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during the journey on Saturday, November 8th. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and triggered protests.

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan of the Congress party condemned the event, accusing the Railways of using students to propagate the Sangh Parivar’s “communal agenda.” He called the act “illegal and anti-democratic.”

The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) staged a protest march in Kochi, alleging that the flag-off ceremony had been “saffronised” with the RSS song. The DYFI also said that a video posted on Southern Railway’s social media handles, which featured the song, was deleted later following a controversy.

Former BJP State President K. Surendran defended the performance, stating that objecting to patriotic songs sung by anyone, even if associated with the RSS, is unacceptable. He added that the students were not compelled to sing the song and that objecting to patriotic songs at a government function is improper. Surendran made these remarks during a session at the Kochi International Book Fair.

The incident has ignited a debate over the role of political ideologies in public events, particularly those related to national infrastructure. The controversy underscores the sensitive political landscape in Kerala and the ongoing tensions between different political factions.

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