Karnataka Assembly halts Vande Mataram after two stanzas; BJP protests

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly and Council proceeded to play only two stanzas of Vande Mataram during proceedings on Wednesday, breaking from the practice of reciting the complete composition. The abbreviated rendition drew sharp criticism from BJP legislators present in the House.

Following the truncated version, BJP members gathered to recite the full text of the national song as a counter-demonstration. The legislators also shouted slogans against the state government, objecting to the decision to limit the song's performance.

The incident highlights ongoing political tensions in Karnataka regarding the observance of national symbols and traditions. The practice of singing Vande Mataram during legislative sessions carries significant cultural and patriotic importance in the state.

The reasons behind the assembly's decision to curtail the recitation were not immediately clear. The matter has drawn attention to protocols governing the observance of national songs in legislative proceedings across India's states.