# BJP-backed group holds parallel I-Day event in Thrissur 2026-08-15T10:44:09+00:00 | Politics | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets A BJP-backed group held a parallel Independence Day programme at Thrissur’s Thekkinkadu Maidan on Saturday, protesting that the official district celebration did not include the full rendition of Vande Mataram. The protesters hoisted the national flag and sang the song in full near Thekke Gopura Nada, while the district administration’s event took place at Students’ Corner. The Hindu identified the organiser as Rashtraraksha Samithi, while India Today described it as a BJP programme. BJP State vice-president K.K. Anish Kumar led the protest and criticised the Kerala government. Congress leaders called the event disrespectful and alleged that it advanced a communal agenda. Minister O.J. Janeesh also termed it an insult to Independence Day, while saying there was no objection to singing Vande Mataram in full. The Hindu reported concerns over a Kerala High Court restriction on political functions at the venue. ## Coverage - thehindu.com - indiatoday.in Tags: BJP, Kerala, Kerala High Court, Thrissur, Vande Mataram Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/parallel-independence-day-event-held-in-thrissur-over-vande-mataram/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/parallel-independence-day-event-held-in-thrissur-over-vande-mataram/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.