Karnataka limits Vande Mataram to two stanzas at state events

The Karnataka Cabinet has issued an order restricting the rendition of Vande Mataram to its opening two stanzas during government functions and programmes across the state. The directive exempts official events attended by the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister or Governor, where the composition may be performed in full.

The state order follows the Indian National Congress's reaffirmation of its 1937 resolution on Vande Mataram. On August 19, the Congress Working Committee resolved to adhere to this historical position, which prescribes singing only two stanzas of the national song at party-affiliated events.

The decision by the Karnataka government, led by the Congress party, comes months after the Union Home Ministry issued separate directives in January. The Centre had mandated that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram be sung before Jana Gana Mana, the national anthem, whenever both compositions are performed together, marking the 150th year since Vande Mataram's composition.

The Congress's reiteration of its historical stance emerged following criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which had accused the party of disrespecting Vande Mataram by declining to perform its complete version at party gatherings. The party has maintained that its approach reflects adherence to longstanding organizational principles rather than any diminution of the patriotic composition's significance.

The variance between Union directives and state-level implementation reflects the ongoing debate around the performance and cultural importance of Vande Mataram across India's political landscape.