Congress has come under criticism over the alleged sidelining of Vande Mataram during Independence Day celebrations, even as a local Congress worker in Pathanamthitta faced backlash for greeting Pakistan on its Independence Day.
The controversy comes amid criticism that Vande Mataram was omitted from Independence Day celebrations organised by the Kerala government, including the state capital programme presided over by the Chief Minister and programmes held across all 14 districts.
Adding to the controversy, a local Congress worker from Pathanamthitta, Reji Poovathoor, shared a social media post on August 14–15, 2026, extending Independence Day greetings to Pakistan.
“Hearty Independence Day greetings to the brother nation,” the post read. It carried an image of the Pakistani flag and wished Pakistan prosperity and unity.
Not only Congress govt in Kerala issued strict warnings against Vandemataram, one of their leader send his warmest wishes to Pakistan on their Independence day!! pic.twitter.com/j88HBfRehx
— HKupdate (@HKupdate) August 15, 2026
The post triggered strong political backlash and criticism on social media, particularly from the BJP and Hindu organisations. Following the mounting criticism, Poovathoor deleted the post.
Reports also indicate that Poovathoor had shared an article in the ‘Congress Pathanamthitta’ Facebook group that eulogised Pakistan. That post was also deleted after it became controversial.
Although Poovathoor is a local, district-level Congress worker, photographs circulating on social media show his proximity to senior Congress leaders.
In one photograph, he is seen sharing the dais with senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Anto Antony. The backdrop of the programme indicates that senior Congress leader Tiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, a former minister and the present Assembly Speaker, was scheduled to inaugurate the event.
Another photograph posted by Poovathoor shows a local Congress MLA, draping a shawl over him while greeting him at a programme.
The photographs have intensified questions over the Congress party’s relationship with Poovathoor and whether the party can distance itself from his controversial post despite his reported association with senior party leaders.
The controversy has also drawn attention to the contrasting treatment of Vande Mataram and Pakistan-related greetings amid Independence Day celebrations, with critics questioning the Congress leadership over its priorities during the 80th Independence Day celebrations.
