Dispute over singing Vande Mataram: UDF and BJP councillors clash at Palakkad Municipality

PALAKKAD: A dispute arose between BJP and UDF councillors in the Palakkad Municipality over the singing of 'Vande Mataram'. A pre-recorded full version of 'Vande Mataram' was played on the loudspeakers before the council meeting. Hearing the full version playing, the Congress councillors walked out of the council hall. Subsequently, the Congress councillors demanded that a special motion be introduced regarding the rendition of 'Vande Mataram'.

However, Municipal Chairman P Smithesh did not permit this, sparking a commotion. CPM councillors joined the UDF councillors in the well of the house, raising an uproar. The protest eventually escalated into a physical altercation, with UDF, CPM, and BJP councillors engaging in pushing and shoving. Disputes between UDF and BJP councillors regarding the full rendition of 'Vande Mataram' have occurred in the Palakkad Municipality in the past as well.