Shah accuses Congress of anti-national stance over Vande Mataram rendition

Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, characterizing its decision to render only the opening two stanzas of Vande Mataram as anti-national in character. Shah argued that the partial rendition of the nationalist hymn represented a form of appeasement politics pursued by the opposition party.

According to Shah, the Congress party's selective approach to the composition traces back to a 1937 resolution, which he contended sowed the seeds for India's Partition. The Home Minister's remarks underscore the ideological rift between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Congress on matters of national symbolism and patriotic expression.

The statement adds to an ongoing debate surrounding the complete composition of Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in the 19th century. While the first two verses are widely accepted across India's political spectrum, the remaining stanzas have historically been subject to differing interpretations and acceptance among various groups.

Shah's comments reflect the government's position on the importance of fully embracing national symbols and compositions without reservations. The Home Minister's criticism suggests the BJP views the Congress's partial adoption as inconsistent with principles of national unity and patriotic commitment.