A video from Kerala’s swearing-in ceremony is rapidly going viral — and it shows something deeply uncomfortable: the state’s newly sworn-in Chief Minister, VD Satheesan, sitting in his chair while Vande Mataram, India’s national song, plays in the hall. It took Rahul Gandhi, seated beside him, to intervene and physically prompt him to rise. – This was what the video shows.
The ceremony, meant to mark the Congress-led UDF’s return to power in Kerala, was unfolding on a grand stage with dignitaries, party leaders, and a packed audience — when the solemn notes of Vande Mataram filled the venue. Guests around the dais stood in respect. Cameras, however, caught Satheesan still seated.
What the Footage shows…
Kerala CM insults Vande Mataram? A video from the swearing-in ceremony of Kerala’s new UDF cabinet is now going viral, showing newly sworn-in Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan remaining seated as the national song “Vande Mataram” began playing before the event.
The footage also shows Rahul Gandhi rising only after the song had already started, while Priyanka Gandhi and several others on the stage stood up immediately in respect. Moments later, Rahul is seen pulling Satheesan up by hand, seemingly prompting the new CM to stand during the national song. The visuals have now triggered sharp criticism and outrage online. However, Organiser wasn’t able to confirm the authenticity of the video.
It must be noted that “Vande Mataram” was played at the very beginning of the swearing-in ceremony. Typically, before the national song is played, guests seated on the dais are informed in advance, signalling them to rise and stand in respect before the song begins. It is not clear that if it is a technical issue or not.
While Priyanka Gandhi and several others on the stage were seen standing up immediately, Rahul Gandhi appeared to rise after the first few lines had already begun. After that he is seen pulling VD Satheesan up to raise for the national song. The visuals have further intensified criticism surrounding the ceremony.
🚨SHOCKING !!
Kerala CM VD Satheesan remained seated while Vande Mataram was being played.
Rahul Gandhi had to physically pull him up.
Satheesan is close to Muslim league , to please them he must have done that after all they hate and oppose Vande Mataram pic.twitter.com/SzvqifseAF
— Amitabh Chaudhary (@MithilaWaaala) May 18, 2026
