Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan slams RSS song on Vande Bharat Express, calls it threat to secularism

New Delhi: The issue began when a group of school students traveling on the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express were seen singing a song associated with the RSS. The incident took place during the official flag-off celebrations of the new train service. The video of the students singing inside the train was widely shared on news channels and social media. This led to immediate reactions from political leaders and public figures. The Kerala Chief Minister’s office later issued a statement expressing concern. The focus shifted to whether the activity was spontaneous or organized. The incident quickly turned into a topic of national debate.

Why did Kerala’s Chief Minister react strongly?

Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that singing an RSS song during a government-related event violates the principles of secularism. He stated that the railway system is meant to serve every citizen without promoting any political or ideological group. According to him, using a government platform for ideological messaging sends a wrong signal to society. He also called it an attempt to introduce religious or political influence in public institutions. Vijayan emphasized that unity and neutrality are essential in public administration. His remarks were also shared widely online. The statement added fuel to the ongoing discussion.

Were the students asked to sing it?

Reports suggested that some railway officials may have asked the schoolchildren to perform the song. This raised questions about whether the performance was voluntary or instructed. Critics argued that minors should not be placed into ideological or political messaging situations. Supporters stated that the song was simply cultural and patriotic. However, the line between culture and ideology became the center of dispute. The event brought attention to how public programs are managed. It also led to discussions about the role of teachers and officials in student activities.

What did the Chief Minister say about propaganda?

Pinarayi Vijayan accused the Railway department of being used as a tool for political propaganda. He said that national institutions must remain neutral and not favor any particular ideology. He criticized the act of uploading the video on social media with patriotic captions, calling it misleading. Vijayan also stated that such actions insult the values of the Indian freedom movement. According to him, mixing government events with ideological messaging is an insult to the Constitution. His tone was firm and direct. His statement resonated strongly among supporters of secular governance.

What was the Railway Ministry’s involvement?

The Vande Bharat train was inaugurated through a virtual event by the Prime Minister. Several school students and public officials were present during the journey. The train had been decorated with flowers to mark its first run. Railway officials have not yet issued a detailed clarification regarding the song. However, sources suggested that children were invited to participate in cultural programs. The lack of clear guidelines may have led to confusion. This created space for misunderstanding and controversy.

Why did the video go viral?

The visual contrast of a modern high-speed train and a song tied to a specific ideological group created strong reactions. Social media users shared the video rapidly. Some praised the act as cultural celebration. Others criticized it as misuse of public space and brainwashing. The polarized nature of Indian political discussions contributed to the viral spread. News channels picked up the argument for prime-time debates. The conversation moved from the train to the national stage.

What does this mean going forward?

The incident has brought the topic of secularism and neutrality of public institutions back into focus. It highlights the sensitivity around cultural expressions in shared national spaces. The government, schools, and administrative bodies may now review their event guidelines. Public reaction remains divided based on ideological beliefs. The situation is likely to influence future public event protocols. It may also push institutions to clearly separate cultural activities from political identity. The discussion continues across social and political platforms.