Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has clarified that the full rendition of Vande Mataram at his swearing-in ceremony was done on the instruction of Raj Bhavan and not as a political statement, responding to criticism from the CPM and other quarters.

Speaking to the media, the CM said they were unaware that the full version would be sung and only realised it was being performed in full while standing during the ceremony, adding that it could not be interrupted midway. He stressed that the national anthem is usually the standard practice and this was an additional rendition.

Addressing another controversy from the ceremony, Satheesan explained why he recited his full name including his father’s name. He stated that both his parents had passed away before he became an MLA, and mentioning his father’s name was a matter of pride. He expressed regret that he could not also include his mother’s name due to the format constraints.

On the topic of the Silver Line semi-high speed rail project, the CM reiterated the UDF’s position that the project was environmentally unsound, describing the proposed 300-kilometre, 30-foot high embankment as a potential environmental disaster for Kerala’s sloping terrain. He noted that the previous government had abandoned the project but had not denotified the land, leaving affected families unable to use their property even as collateral for loans.

Responding to criticism about visiting the Bishop’s House, Satheesan said he maintains cordial relations with religious leaders across faiths and has always visited them, citing his visits to Sivagiri and meetings with various spiritual heads at the Cantonment House.

The CM also confirmed that the UDF’s discussions on cabinet formation were completed on Tuesday night, with approvals secured from Delhi, and the list was submitted to the Governor on Wednesday morning. He dismissed allegations of unusual delay, noting the Governor was in Thrissur on Tuesday.