UDF government implementing RSS agenda, alleges MV Govindan

KANNUR: CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan on Saturday alleged that the UDF government’s “subservience” to the RSS was evident from the questionnaire praising V.D. Savarkar and the order directing that the entire version of ‘Vande Mataram’ be sung at public functions. Govindan said a circular issued by the Chief Secretary directed that the portions of ‘Vande Mataram’ omitted by Jawaharlal Nehru and others should also be included when the song is sung at public functions.

CPI(M) state secretary alleged that Chief Minister VD Satheesan was supporting the RSS agenda of establishing ‘Vande Mataram’ as the national anthem. He also alleged that the Local Self-Government Department, headed by the Indian Union Muslim League, was the first to issue instructions to implement the circular.

Govindan said a quiz prepared for children as part of Independence Day programmes asked who had spent the longest period in jail as part of the national movement, with V.D. Savarkar given as the answer. He described this as a continuation of the same approach.

He also criticised the State government’s disaster management efforts, alleging that they had themselves turned into a “disaster”. Departments that should have acted promptly during emergencies had failed to coordinate their efforts, he said. Govindan said the previous LDF government had moved forward by involving everyone, including rescue workers, in its response to emergencies.

He said Rajesh lost his life while trying to save another person. However, Minister Sunny Joseph had said that the responsibility of rescue and voluntary workers who came forward on their own rested with them, Govindan alleged. “If the government says it will not take responsibility, who will be willing to engage in voluntary rescue work?” Govindan asked.