Kozhikode (Kerala) | Kerala Transport Minister C P John on Monday accused the BJP of "pinpricking" the government over the issue of complete rendition of the national song, Vande Mataram, and said everyone needs to be vigilant against such acts.

John said that Vande Mataram was a beautiful song, but contained elements of a 'bhakti' or prayer song.

He said that while there was nothing wrong with bhakti songs as many people, including atheists, enjoy them, in a secular state it would be wrong to sing about a particular religion.

"We are not allergic to bhakti songs. But in a secular state, it is wrong to sing things about a particular religion. Therefore, the singing of the national song was restricted to a few stanzas during the time of Nehru," he said.

"But the BJP is pinpricking the issue by saying that it should be sung in full and making arrangements for its complete rendition. So, when such things happen, we need to be more vigilant against it. That is my view," ," he added.

Regarding his party, CMP, stand on the issue, he said that it was of the opinion that only the first two couplets, as decided by the AICC, should be sung.

He was responding to reporters' queries regarding an August 6 letter of Kerala Chief Secretary Bishwanath Sinha, stating therein that the 2026 edition of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav campaign has been integrated with the third phase of the nationwide commemoration of 150 years of the National Song Vande Mataram, as approved by the National Implementation Committee chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Accordingly, all physical celebrations during the period would combine collective singing of Vande Mataram with the hoisting or display of the National Flag, while digital participation would be routed through the Har Ghar Tiranga portal, where citizens could upload their "Selfie with Tricolour", the letter had said.

It had also said the Government of India's instructions regarding the recitation of Vande Mataram would be followed in full.