A controversy has erupted in Kerala after a newly elected local councillor reportedly apologised for saying “Jai Hind” during her oath-taking ceremony, triggering sharp political reactions and reigniting a wider debate on patriotism and free expression.
The incident involved Akhila GS, who was elected from the Kurakkanni ward in Thiruvananthapuram. According to local media reports, after taking her oath, Akhila expressed her joy by saying “Jai Hind.” However, she was allegedly asked to apologise soon after, following which she appeared visibly upset and had to be consoled by leaders from the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF). Party workers reportedly told her that the slogan could be used by anyone who loves the country.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seized on the incident, accusing the Left of fostering a “culture of fear.” Former Union minister and Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar strongly criticised the LDF on social media, saying it was alarming that an elected representative felt compelled to apologise for expressing patriotism. “Never apologise for loving your country. Be proud of India,” he said, alleging intimidation and public humiliation.
The BJP has linked the controversy to a broader pattern, claiming that expressions like “Jai Hind” and “Vande Mataram” are being politicised. These slogans have been in the national spotlight in recent weeks, including during heated debates in Parliament and following revised Rajya Sabha guidelines that appeared to discourage the use of “Jai Hind” in the House. Several leaders, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, criticised those guidelines, asserting that such slogans are integral to India’s freedom movement.
The row also comes at a politically sensitive time. Kerala recently concluded local body elections, where the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) emerged as the overall winner. However, the BJP registered a record performance in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, winning 50 seats its best-ever showing in the state capital.
As Kerala moves closer to future electoral battles, the ‘Jai Hind’ controversy has become more than a local issue, reflecting deeper ideological divides over nationalism, expression, and political identity.
