Thrissur: The BJP organised a parallel Independence Day celebration in Thrissur on Friday, with party workers staging a protest near the venue of the district-level Independence Day celebrations.
BJP workers arrived in a procession from the Thrissur Corporation office and gathered at the southern gopura nada of the Vadakkunnathan Temple, where they recited Vande Mataram in full as part of the protest.
The protest was held near the venue where the district-level Independence Day celebrations were taking place, attended by Minister O. J. Jeneesh.
Reacting to the BJP protest, Minister O. J. Jeneesh said the party may have viewed Independence Day as a day of protest because it had not played a major role in the struggles associated with the day.
“There is nothing wrong with reciting Vande Mataram in full, but they should have ensured that it was recited correctly without altering it,” the minister said.
He criticised the BJP’s programme, saying that its action amounted to insulting Independence Day and described it as unfortunate.
