India, Nov. 10 -- Keralam Health Minister K Muraleedharan has defended his decision to sit down before the full rendition of Vande Mataram ended at an official function, saying he would not allow anyone to "hijack" a state government event.

The incident took place on Monday during the inauguration of a laboratory at the Mulleria Family Health Centre in Kasaragod. The minister's action drew criticism from the BJP, which demanded an apology.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Muraleedharan said the programme schedule had included a prayer, but Vande Mataram was sung instead. He maintained that the state government's policy was to sing only the first two stanzas at its functions.

"I do not need anyone to teach me patriotism. I am the son o...