Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar expressed displeasure over Vande Mataram not being sung in full in the state assembly before his policy address.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan said a complete recital of the national song was not mandatory, citing no legal provision.
BJP MLA V Muraleedharan termed the move an insult to the Lok Bhavan and the Governor, while Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan backed the state government's decision.
