Copyright news18
The Kerala government on Sunday ordered an inquiry after reports emerged that school students sang a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) song onboard the newly inaugurated Vande Bharat Express between Ernakulam and Bengaluru. The incident, which drew sharp political reactions, has triggered a debate on secularism and the alleged politicisation of public events. Government orders inquiry General Education Minister V Sivankutty directed the Director of Public Instructions (DPI) to investigate the incident and submit a detailed report. In a statement, Sivankutty said the government viewed the matter with “utmost seriousness” and would take appropriate action based on the findings. “Politicising children at government events and using them to promote the communal agenda of any group is a violation of constitutional principles,” he said. The inquiry will examine whether there were procedural lapses in involving students in the programme. The minister emphasised that the state has a responsibility to uphold India’s secular and national values and ensure that such principles are protected in all public functions. Union Minister Suresh Gopi, however, dismissed the controversy, calling it an “innocent act” by children. Speaking to reporters in Thrissur, he said, “They felt like singing that song at the moment and they did so. Anyway, it’s not an extremist song.” The minister described the performance as part of a joyful celebration during the train’s inaugural journey. The students of Saraswathi Vidyalaya beautifully performed their school song during the inaugural run of the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express pic.twitter.com/uvauXy9e6k— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) November 8, 2025 " rel="nofollow">http://The students of Saraswathi Vidyalaya beautifully performed their school song during the inaugural run of the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express pic.twitter.com/uvauXy9e6k— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) November 8, 2025 Political outcry Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly criticised the Southern Railway, saying that including an RSS song in an official government event violated constitutional values. “Using the Railways, one of the country’s largest public sector undertakings, to promote communal propaganda is unacceptable,” he said. Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan echoed similar sentiments, calling the act “illegal and undemocratic.” He alleged that the BJP was attempting to introduce “divisive politics” in Kerala through such gestures. Amid mounting backlash, the Southern Railway initially deleted its social media post featuring the performance. However, it later reposted the video, clarifying that the students from Saraswathi Vidyalaya had performed their school song, not an RSS anthem, during the train’s inaugural run.
