India, Aug. 16 -- A political row has erupted in Kerala over the alleged exclusion of Vande Mataram from the state government's official Independence Day celebrations, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government of appeasing extremist groups.

The BJP has announced that it will challenge the decision both legally and politically, calling the alleged omission an insult to the Constitution and the country's national sentiment.

'Surrender to radical elements'

BJP leader Shone George accused Chief Minister VD Satheesan of deliberately excluding the national song to appease radical elements.

He said the BJP had expected Vande Mataram to be included in the official programme and qu...