Thiruvananthapuram – A political row has erupted in Kerala after the Congress party strongly objected to a patriotic song associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) being played at a Hindu temple in the state. The party has accused the RSS of attempting to politicize religious spaces, arguing that places of worship should remain neutral and open to all sections of society.
The incident took place during a local religious ceremony, where a group allegedly affiliated with the RSS played the song as part of the proceedings. Congress leaders reacted sharply, calling it a “deliberate attempt to inject politics into sacred institutions.”
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president K. Sudhakaran issued a statement condemning the act, stating, “Temples are spiritual spaces for all devotees, irrespective of their political ideology. No organization should misuse such places to spread political messages.”
The party further claimed that this was not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend where certain groups are attempting to use religious institutions to further political narratives. “The Sangh Parivar is blurring the lines between religion and politics, which is a dangerous precedent in a secular society,” said a Congress spokesperson.
Local temple authorities have so far remained tight-lipped about the controversy, but some have reportedly expressed discomfort over the politicization of events within temple premises. Civil society groups in Kerala have also weighed in, urging that religious institutions maintain their traditional roles and avoid being drawn into political agendas.
On the other hand, RSS supporters defended the act, saying the song was patriotic and not political, and questioned why Congress would object to a message of national unity. They accused the opposition party of overreacting and misrepresenting the intent behind the performance.
The incident has now become a topic of heated discussion across political and religious circles in Kerala, highlighting ongoing concerns over the role of ideology in religious life.
The Congress party has demanded state-level guidelines to prevent political events or symbols from entering places of worship in the future.
