RSS song at Vande Bharat event: Kerala CM slams Railways
What's the story
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has slammed the Southern Railway for allegedly making students sing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Gana Geet at a government event. The incident occurred during the inauguration of the Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat train service. Vijayan condemned this act, saying it violated constitutional principles and accused the Railways of promoting communal politics.
Protest call
'Violation of constitutional principles'
Vijayan said, "The act of the Southern Railway...is extremely protestable." He added that including the RSS song in an official program is "a violation of constitutional principles." The CM further claimed such actions undermine the secular character of government events. "The inauguration ceremony of Vande Bharat witnessed the sneaking of extreme Hindutva politics," he said.
Historical betrayal
Railways used for communal political propaganda: Vijayan
Vijayan also accused the Sangh Parivar of using the Railways for "communal political propaganda." He said by sharing the Gana Geet on social media with a caption calling it "a patriotic song," Southern Railway mocked itself and the Indian national movement. The CM added that Railways, which were a pillar of India's secular nationalism during the freedom struggle, are now supporting the RSS's communal agenda.
Past statements
Vijayan earlier compared RSS to Israel's Zionists
In a separate incident, Vijayan had likened the RSS to Zionists in Israel, calling them "twin brothers" who "might agree on many things." He made these comments during a remembrance meeting in Kannur. The CM also criticized the Centre's decision to celebrate the RSS centenary by issuing a postage stamp and ₹100 coin, calling it "a grave insult to our Constitution."