BJP's NV Subhash Condemns Congress Stand On 'Vande Mataram'

Telangana BJP chief spokesperson NV Subhash has strongly criticised the Congress Working Committee (CWC) decision to restrict the singing of Vande Mataram to its first two stanzas at party programmes.

Addressing the media on Friday, Subhash said the Telangana BJP condemned the CWC resolution and questioned the rationale behind limiting the national song. He alleged that the Congress had taken a similar position in 1937 under pressure from Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the British, and accused the party of once again compromising on an important national symbol.

Describing Vande Mataram as a song that has played a significant role in India’s freedom struggle, Subhash said it represented national unity and brought together people across communities. He argued that restricting the song to two stanzas amounted to undermining its historical significance.

The latest controversy erupted after the BJP alleged that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi were seen talking while Vande Mataram was being sung during the August 15 Independence Day celebrations. The BJP subsequently demanded an apology from the Congress.

Against this backdrop, the CWC met on Wednesday and referred to the 1937 Congress resolution, deciding that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram would be sung at future party programmes.

The Congress has historically cited concerns over differences with the Muslim League for the decision taken in 1937. At a meeting involving leaders including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose in October that year, later stanzas were excluded in an effort to avoid controversy.

The song was subsequently accorded constitutional-era recognition. On January 24, 1950, Constituent Assembly president Dr Rajendra Prasad stated that Vande Mataram would be accorded the same respect as Jana Gana Mana.