Kerala Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan on Tuesday asserted that no organisation, caste or religious group, or political party in the state could exert pressure on the government, amid a political controversy over the rendition of 'Vande Mataram' at an Independence Day event at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi.
Satheesan said the Kerala government would continue to function independently and would not bow to pressure from any political or social organisation. His remarks came amid allegations by the BJP that the Congress leadership had compromised on the national song during the Independence Day programme held at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters.
"There are many allegations being raised. At one point, it is being alleged that the government has surrendered to Jamaat-e-Islami and the Muslim League, while elsewhere it is being said that the government has surrendered to the BJP," Satheesan said.
Rejecting such allegations, he maintained that the government would not allow itself to be influenced by political pressure or demands from any section of society. "This is not a government that will surrender to anyone. No one can exert any kind of pressure over this government. No caste or religious organisation or political movement in Kerala can exert pressure on the government," he said.
Satheesan further said that the government's position on various issues was already clear and there was no question of changing its stand because of criticism or pressure from outside groups.
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"Everyone knows that this government will not yield to any pressure. The AICC has already given its explanation on the matter. It is not for me to repeat or speak on that matter," he said.
The controversy surrounding 'Vande Mataram' intensified after BJP leaders raised questions over the manner in which the national song was rendered during the Independence Day programme at the Congress headquarters. The BJP criticised the Congress over the issue and sought clarification from the party leadership.
Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, however, defended the party's position and said the Congress had deep respect for 'Vande Mataram'. He accused the BJP of attempting to turn the national song into a political issue.
"For the BJP, everything is political. For us, it is emotional. What happened at the AICC headquarters was a communication issue. We are people who respect Vande Mataram. The Congress has a clear stand on Vande Mataram," Venugopal said.
The controversy has added to the political exchanges between the Congress and BJP, with both parties seeking to establish their positions on issues relating to national symbols and patriotism.
Meanwhile, Venugopal also spoke about the proposed reorganisation of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). He said the process would be undertaken at the appropriate time and indicated that the party leadership was considering organisational changes in the state unit.
Venugopal stated that KPCC president Sunny Joseph had expressed his willingness to step down from the post. However, he did not indicate a specific timeline for the proposed organisational changes.
The Congress leadership is expected to take a decision on the restructuring after consultations with senior leaders and other stakeholders. The changes are likely to be aimed at strengthening the party's organisational structure and preparing it for upcoming political challenges in the state.
Satheesan's comments, meanwhile, underlined the Congress leadership's position that the Kerala government would continue to take decisions independently, without yielding to pressure from political parties, religious organisations or other influential groups.
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