Kozhikode councillors sing anthem and Vande Mataram in chaotic clash

The Independence Day flag-hoisting at Kozhikode Corporation descended into chaos on Saturday when BJP councillors sang Vande Mataram while the ruling front and UDF members sang the national anthem Jana Gana Mana. Mayor O. Sadasivan had announced the anthem after hoisting the flag and delivering his address around 9.30 am near Kozhikode beach.

As the mayor and councillors from the CPI(M)-led front and the Congress-led UDF began singing Jana Gana Mana, about seven BJP councillors started the full version of Vande Mataram. Both groups continued despite the confusion. The mayor and others completed the anthem and left, while the BJP councillors finished Vande Mataram.

BJP councillor T. Raneesh said the party had notified the mayor in advance that its councillors would sing Vande Mataram, and alleged singing both simultaneously “disrespected both.” Deputy Mayor S. Jayasree criticised the BJP for singing over the national anthem, noting the Corporation had traditionally sung Jana Gana Mana at the ceremony. The incident came as the Union government’s Har Ghar Tiranga campaign and the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram had spurred political debate.