A major political controversy has erupted after the Karnataka government issued a directive limiting the singing of Vande Mataram to its first two stanzas during state-level official events. While the ruling Congress government defended the move—clarifying that the full version remains mandatory for national functions and official state-mandated celebrations—opposition parties have accused the administration of disrespecting the national song. The directive has reignited a fierce political debate over historical protocols and state versus central mandates.


Vande Mataram row: Karnataka govt defies centre, limits to 2 stanzas in state events

A political storm has erupted after Congress reaffirmed it will stick to its 1937 resolution, singing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at party functions, even as the Centre now mandates the complete version at official events. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called the decision "anti-national," accusing Congress of reviving "appeasement politics" that he claims paved the way for Partition. BJP chief Nitin Nabin went further, branding Congress the "new Muslim League" and saying it had "formalised its insult into a resolution."

Political row erupts as Congress adopts 1937 Vande Mataram version 

A political storm has erupted after Congress reaffirmed it will stick to its 1937 resolution, singing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at party functions, even as the Centre now mandates the complete version at official events. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called the decision "anti-national," accusing Congress of reviving "appeasement politics" that he claims paved the way for Partition. BJP chief Nitin Nabin went further, branding Congress the "new Muslim League" and saying it had "formalised its insult into a resolution."


Vande Mataram row: Amit Shah slams Congress over two-stanza national song stand 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday (Aug 20) accused the Congress of reviving its “extreme policy of appeasement” amid row over Vande Mataram. This comes after the Congress Working Committee (CWC), at its meeting on Wednesday (Aug 19), decided to follow the party’s 1937 resolution on the national song and sing only its first two stanzas. The decision has triggered a political clash between the BJP and Congress, with the song becoming the latest flashpoint between the two parties.Speaking to ANI, Shah linked the 1937 decision to the events that eventually led to Partition, alleging that the Congress had divided Vande Mataram “for Muslim appeasement”.“From there, the two-nation theory gained strength and eventually, the country was partitioned and Pakistan was born,” Shah said.He argued that the Narendra Modi government had sought to correct what he called a historical mistake by promoting the complete rendition of Vande Mataram. Shah also accused Congress of ignoring what he termed the legal position on the song.“Today, the Congress party is accepting its party resolution of 1937 and rejecting the Act of Parliament,” he said, urging people to oppose the Congress stand.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-govt-rolls-back-order-to-stop-students-joining-cjp-left-protests-in-tamil-nadu-here-s-why-1787127672532">Vijay govt rolls back order to stop students joining CJP, Left protests in Tamil Nadu – Here’s why</a>The Congress, however, has hit back strongly. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the BJP and RSS’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle while responding to Shah’s criticism.“When I became an MLA, Amit Shah was not even born yet,” Kharge said, before asking, “Which BJP man fought for the freedom of this country? Which RSS man fought for the freedom of this country?”The dispute follows BJP criticism of Kharge and Congress parliamentary chairperson Sonia Gandhi over their alleged conversation during Vande Mataram at an Independence Day event on August 15.Congress MP KC Venugopal defended the CWC decision, saying the party would adhere to the positions taken by Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1937.

Amit Shah slammed Congress over its decision to sing only two stanzas of Vande Mataram, accusing it of appeasement. Mallikarjun Kharge hit back, questioning BJP-RSS’ freedom struggle role.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday (Aug 20) accused the Congress of reviving its “extreme policy of appeasement” amid row over Vande Mataram. This comes after the Congress Working Committee (CWC), at its meeting on Wednesday (Aug 19), decided to follow the party’s 1937 resolution on the national song and sing only its first two stanzas. The decision has triggered a political clash between the BJP and Congress, with the song becoming the latest flashpoint between the two parties. Speaking to ANI, Shah linked the 1937 decision to the events that eventually led to Partition, alleging that the Congress had divided Vande Mataram “for Muslim appeasement”. “From there, the two-nation theory gained strength and eventually, the country was partitioned and Pakistan was born,” Shah said. He argued that the Narendra Modi government had sought to correct what he called a historical mistake by promoting the complete rendition of Vande Mataram. Shah also accused Congress of ignoring what he termed the legal position on the song. “Today, the Congress party is accepting its party resolution of 1937 and rejecting the Act of Parliament,” he said, urging people to oppose the Congress stand. Also read | Vijay govt rolls back order to stop students joining CJP, Left protests in Tamil Nadu – Here’s why The Congress, however, has hit back strongly. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the BJP and RSS’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle while responding to Shah’s criticism. “When I became an MLA, Amit Shah was not even born yet,” Kharge said, before asking, “Which BJP man fought for the freedom of this country? Which RSS man fought for the freedom of this country?” The dispute follows BJP criticism of Kharge and Congress parliamentary chairperson Sonia Gandhi over their alleged conversation during Vande Mataram at an Independence Day event on August 15. Congress MP KC Venugopal defended the CWC decision, saying the party would adhere to the positions taken by Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1937.

Amit Shah slammed Congress over its decision to sing only two stanzas of Vande Mataram, accusing it of appeasement. Mallikarjun Kharge hit back, questioning BJP-RSS’ freedom struggle role.

‘Extreme policy of appeasement’: Amit Shah attacks Congress over Vande Mataram

A major political confrontation is unfolding between the BJP and Congress over Vande Mataram, with the national song becoming the latest flashpoint in India’s political debate.

BJP president Nitin Nabin has sharply criticised the Congress Working Committee’s decision to continue singing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at party events. Nabin accused the Congress of compromising national sentiment and called the party a “new Muslim League.”

The Congress has defended its position by citing a 1937 Congress Working Committee resolution, arguing that leaders of the freedom movement, including Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore, supported limiting public renditions to the first two stanzas.

The controversy intensified following an Independence Day event at the Congress headquarters, where a video involving Sonia Gandhi sparked competing claims from the BJP and Congress over the full rendition of the national song.

Vande Mataram Row: BJP Slams Congress As Political Battle Over National Song Intensifies

A political row has broken out after a video from Congress headquarters showed Sonia Gandhi making hand gestures during the full rendition of "Vande Mataram" on Independence Day. BJP alleges she and Rahul Gandhi tried to halt the complete six-stanza version, calling it disrespectful to the national song, especially as 2026 marks its 150th anniversary.


Political storm erupts over Vande Mataram: Amit Shah says Sonia Gandhi asked the song to be stopped

A fresh political controversy erupted on Saturday (August 15) after a video from the Congress's Independence Day programme at its headquarters in New Delhi appeared to show party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi making gestures while ‘Vande Mataram’ was being rendered.Rahul Gandhi was also seen making a similar gesture moments later. The footage quickly circulated on social media, with BJP leaders and other critics alleging that the Congress leadership was uncomfortable with the national song.&nbsp;The video shows Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Kharge attending the Independence Day function alongside other Congress leaders and workers. During the rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’, Sonia Gandhi and Kharge can be seen gesturing towards people around them. Rahul Gandhi subsequently appears to make a similar gesture. The gestures triggered a political backlash, with critics claiming that the Congress leaders were asking workers to stop the rendition.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, the visual footage by itself does not establish what the gestures were intended to convey. The Congress has sought to play down the controversy. Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot said, "There is no controversy. Congress' high command or Jairam Ramesh will tell you about the party's approach. A later Congress explanation reportedly disputed the interpretation circulating online, with the party saying Sonia Gandhi was seeking a chair for Kharge during the event rather than objecting to 'Vande Mataram'. The controversy comes after Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leaders of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha respectively, did not attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort. Their absence was attributed to concerns over protocol.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-ai-to-nuclear-energy-pm-modi-s-big-announcements-on-80th-independence-day-1786775255568">From AI to nuclear energy: PM Modi's 7 big announcements on 80th Independence Day</a><h2>BJP vs Congress over Vande Mataram</h2>The latest row comes amid an increasingly heated political battle over ‘Vande Mataram’, particularly over the use of its complete version at official and public functions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly criticised the Congress over the issue, alleging that the party historically shortened the national song by retaining only its first two stanzas. During a recent parliamentary discussion, Modi accused the Congress of having ‘cut’ ‘Vande Mataram’ and questioned its handling of objections to portions of the song before Independence.&nbsp;The Congress, however, has strongly defended its historical association with the national song. Kharge had previously said that Congress members went to jail chanting ‘Vande Mataram’ during the freedom struggle and argued that the decision concerning the two stanzas was taken collectively by several prominent leaders. The Congress has also officially described itself as having an ‘unshakable faith’ in ‘Vande Mataram’, calling it a symbol of India's unity and the freedom movement.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Rahul Gandhi aspires to be Indian PM, Leave being PM, first he should try to be an Indian along with his family members. Immediately after Vande Mataram started to play - his mother Sonia Gandhi got angry and openly asked to stop it - ⁠Rahul himself intervened and asked to… <a href="https://t.co/SVy97C7Xe1">pic.twitter.com/SVy97C7Xe1</a>&mdash; Cons of Congress (@ConsOfCongress) <a href="https://x.com/ConsOfCongress/status/2088496409867936095?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Why Vande Mataram is at the centre of the row</h2>Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875 and later incorporated into his novel Anandamath, became one of the defining patriotic songs of India's freedom movement. Its first two stanzas were subsequently adopted as India's National Song. The longer composition contains additional passages featuring religious imagery, which have historically been a subject of political and cultural debate. The dispute has intensified this year as India marks the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. For the first time, the national song was scheduled to be sung from the ramparts of the Red Fort before the national anthem during the 80th Independence Day celebrations.<h2>Kerala's Vande Mataram debate</h2>The national song controversy has also spilled into Kerala. The state government's Independence Day instructions for schools focused on flag hoisting and the singing of the national anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’, without specifically directing schools to sing ‘Vande Mataram’. The decision drew criticism from the BJP amid the wider national debate over the Centre's instructions concerning the song.&nbsp;With Vande Mataram occupying a prominent place in this year's Independence Day celebrations, the Congress event has given the BJP fresh political ammunition. For now, the meaning of the gestures seen in the viral video remains at the centre of the dispute. While critics have interpreted them as an attempt to stop the rendition, the Congress has rejected that reading and offered an alternative explanation. The political battle over Vande Mataram is therefore likely to continue.

Congress faces BJP criticism over a viral Independence Day video involving Sonia Gandhi, Kharge and Rahul Gandhi during Vande Mataram rendition

A fresh political controversy erupted on Saturday (August 15) after a video from the Congress's Independence Day programme at its headquarters in New Delhi appeared to show party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi making gestures while ‘Vande Mataram’ was being rendered. Rahul Gandhi was also seen making a similar gesture moments later. The footage quickly circulated on social media, with BJP leaders and other critics alleging that the Congress leadership was uncomfortable with the national song. The video shows Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Kharge attending the Independence Day function alongside other Congress leaders and workers. During the rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’, Sonia Gandhi and Kharge can be seen gesturing towards people around them. Rahul Gandhi subsequently appears to make a similar gesture. The gestures triggered a political backlash, with critics claiming that the Congress leaders were asking workers to stop the rendition. However, the visual footage by itself does not establish what the gestures were intended to convey. The Congress has sought to play down the controversy. Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot said, "There is no controversy. Congress' high command or Jairam Ramesh will tell you about the party's approach. A later Congress explanation reportedly disputed the interpretation circulating online, with the party saying Sonia Gandhi was seeking a chair for Kharge during the event rather than objecting to 'Vande Mataram'. The controversy comes after Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leaders of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha respectively, did not attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort. Their absence was attributed to concerns over protocol. Also Read: From AI to nuclear energy: PM Modi's 7 big announcements on 80th Independence Day BJP vs Congress over Vande Mataram The latest row comes amid an increasingly heated political battle over ‘Vande Mataram’, particularly over the use of its complete version at official and public functions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly criticised the Congress over the issue, alleging that the party historically shortened the national song by retaining only its first two stanzas. During a recent parliamentary discussion, Modi accused the Congress of having ‘cut’ ‘Vande Mataram’ and questioned its handling of objections to portions of the song before Independence. The Congress, however, has strongly defended its historical association with the national song. Kharge had previously said that Congress members went to jail chanting ‘Vande Mataram’ during the freedom struggle and argued that the decision concerning the two stanzas was taken collectively by several prominent leaders. The Congress has also officially described itself as having an ‘unshakable faith’ in ‘Vande Mataram’, calling it a symbol of India's unity and the freedom movement.

Congress faces BJP attack after viral Independence Day video shows Sonia Gandhi, Kharge and Rahul Gandhi making gestures during Vande Mataram

Sonia Gandhi, Kharge’s 'gestures' during Vande Mataram trigger political row on Independence Day

India's National Song, Vande Mataram, was played in full on the 80th Independence Day celebrations led by PM Modi at the Red Fort, followed by the customary 'Jana Gana Mana', the National Anthem. 'Vande Mataram' had played a vital role in the freedom movement of India, holding a special place in the country's national consciousness. At this year's 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, led by PM Modi, India's National Song 'Vande Mataram' was played in its entirety, followed by the National Anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana', as per tradition. 'Vande Mataram', which held immense significance during India's freedom struggle, continues to occupy a special place in the nation's collective memory. As PM Modi unfurled the National Flag atop the Red Fort, the moment coincided with a 21-gun salute fired by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial), using indigenously made 105 mm Light Field Guns. The flag hoisting was followed by the Army band's rendition of 'Vande Mataram'. Adding to the celebrations, two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters showered flower petals over the venue, with one carrying the National Flag and the other bearing a flag inscribed with 'Vande Mataram'. In his address, PM Modi noted the historic nature of the moment, stating that this was the first time since Independence that 'Vande Mataram' had been performed at the Red Fort. The National Anthem followed soon after, marking a memorable addition to this year's Independence Day proceedings.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-captain-sonia-singh-chauhan-army-officer-s-red-fort-appearance-goes-viral-india-80th-independence-day-1786765512308">Who is Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan? Army officer's Red Fort appearance goes viral | India 80th Independence Day</a><h3>Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026</h3>The development unfolded after President Murmu gave her approval to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which provides 'Vande Mataram' similar legal protection as it has been given to the National Anthem. The amended law warned that the deliberate attempt to disrupt or obstruct the singing of the National Song can invite penalties, including imprisonment, a fine, or both. In her address to the nation, President Murmu highlighted the significance of 'Vande Mataram' during India's struggle for freedom. A government note titled '150 Years of Vande Mataram: A Melody That Became a Movement', released on November 6 last year, states that the phrase was first used as a political slogan on August 7, 1905. The song was originally composed as a standalone piece before being incorporated into Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's novel 'Anandamath'. It was first publicly sung by Rabindranath Tagore at the Congress Session held in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1896.

 India's National Song 'Vande Mataram' was played in its entirety, followed by the National Anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana', as per tradition. This song continues to occupy a special place in the nation's collective memory.

India's National Song, Vande Mataram, was played in full on the 80th Independence Day celebrations led by PM Modi at the Red Fort, followed by the customary 'Jana Gana Mana', the National Anthem. 'Vande Mataram' had played a vital role in the freedom movement of India, holding a special place in the country's national consciousness. At this year's 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, led by PM Modi, India's National Song 'Vande Mataram' was played in its entirety, followed by the National Anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana', as per tradition. 'Vande Mataram', which held immense significance during India's freedom struggle, continues to occupy a special place in the nation's collective memory. As PM Modi unfurled the National Flag atop the Red Fort, the moment coincided with a 21-gun salute fired by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial), using indigenously made 105 mm Light Field Guns. The flag hoisting was followed by the Army band's rendition of 'Vande Mataram'. Adding to the celebrations, two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters showered flower petals over the venue, with one carrying the National Flag and the other bearing a flag inscribed with 'Vande Mataram'. In his address, PM Modi noted the historic nature of the moment, stating that this was the first time since Independence that 'Vande Mataram' had been performed at the Red Fort. The National Anthem followed soon after, marking a memorable addition to this year's Independence Day proceedings. Also read: Who is Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan? Army officer's Red Fort appearance goes viral | India 80th Independence Day Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 The development unfolded after President Murmu gave her approval to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which provides 'Vande Mataram' similar legal protection as it has been given to the National Anthem. The amended law warned that the deliberate attempt to disrupt or obstruct the singing of the National Song can invite penalties, including imprisonment, a fine, or both. In her address to the nation, President Murmu highlighted the significance of 'Vande Mataram' during India's struggle for freedom. A government note titled '150 Years of Vande Mataram: A Melody That Became a Movement', released on November 6 last year, states that the phrase was first used as a political slogan on August 7, 1905. The song was originally composed as a standalone piece before being incorporated into Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's novel 'Anandamath'. It was first publicly sung by Rabindranath Tagore at the Congress Session held in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1896.

&nbsp;India's National Song 'Vande Mataram' was played in its entirety, followed by the National Anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana', as per tradition. This song continues to occupy a special place in the nation's collective memory.

'Vande Mataram' played at Red Fort for first time since India's Independence

80 years after Indian Independence, two slogans still reverberate through the Indian streets and provide competing visions of Indian nationalism. One is a hymn that visualises the country as a mother, while the other is a battle cry that envisions the future. Both of them abundantly feature in the vocabulary of Indian politics and surface often in parliamentary debates. These words have outlived the movement which birthed them.&nbsp;<h2>A song from a novel&nbsp;</h2>"Vande Mataram" - "I bow to thee, Mother" did not begin as a slogan at all. It began as a passage of prose and verse inside a novel, Anandamath, by the Bengali writer Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, but turned into a slogan for the movement. Set against the backdrop of the Sanyasi Rebellion of 1770, it is considered India's first Political novel. The broad contour of the novel is that a band of ascetic warriors fight against oppressive rulers. Inside the novel, a song is woven, sung by the ascetic rebels, composed of a hybrid of Sanskrit and Bengali. The song addressed the land as a mother, sorrowful and in need of her children's devotion.&nbsp;The song might have just remained a literary flourish if it were not for Rabindranath Tagore, who set "Vande Mataram" to music and sang it at a session of the Indian National Congress, giving it a public life far beyond the novel's pages. Then, in 1905, against the partition of Bengal, the song became an anthem of resistance that followed. The British banned the public rendition of it in some provinces. To sing Vande Mataram became in itself an act of defiance.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/thdc-tunnel-collapse-chamoli-15-feared-trapped-10-rescued-1786633418264">THDC tunnel collapses in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli, 15 feared trapped; 10 rescued</a><h2>An Urdu poet</h2>“Inquilab Zindabad” is Urdu for “Long Live the Revolution”, and is credited to the activist Hasrat Mohani, who coined it around 1921. Mohani had an unusual position, a devout Muslim and one of the early members of the Communist Party of India, and a fierce anti-colonial agitator, all at once. His slogan brought in the energy of the Russian Revolution and mixed with the anti-colonial mood sweeping India. He was a prominent figure of the Khilafat movement, which criticised the British policies against the Ottoman Empire. What makes Mohani unusual is that despite having a Muslim intellectual and political environment and being part of the Khilafat movement, he embraced communism, rejecting the partition and two-state solution.However, the slogan would have remained a footnote in Indian history if it were not for Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt, who threw non-lethal bombs onto the floor of the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi and stood their ground and shouted "Inquilab Zindabad" to be arrested. In Bhagat Singh's words, to make the deaf hear. They went on to shout the same slogan at the end of their life during execution in 1931. Cementing his and the slogan's legacy as uncompromising revolutionary sacrifice.&nbsp;<h2>The politics of slogans</h2>To understand Vande Mataram, one has to understand the social situation of the novel and the author. It was the genre-defining first political fiction of India. The song was a linguistic brilliance, with a deeply rhythmic, sonorous, and mantric quality. It evokes vivid imagery and personifies the nation. It borrows heavily from Hindu devotional tradition in the later stanzas. So much so that Rabindranath Tagore, its early champion, later expressed reservations about promoting the song's later stanzas,Historically, the narrative of the novel Anandamath is called flawed by many scholars. Set against a backdrop that casts Muslim rulers as antagonists, some of its passages carried a charge that unsettled Muslim leaders within the nationalist movement. Then comes the author's own position in the text: Bankim was an upper-caste, high-ranking civil servant, a Deputy Magistrate under the British Raj. He was a product of the English-educated Bengali elite. Bengal's peasantry was predominantly Muslim, while the landlords and colonial middlemen were largely Hindu, which shaped Bankim's narrative. The novel ends with a profound narrative shift: a realisation that India needs colonial rule, though it remains confusing whether the author himself believed it or was just trying to get the novel published.&nbsp;Compared to this, Singh and his contemporaries in the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association meant the phrase as something closer to a class rallying cry than a nationalist one. Their revolution was aimed not just at British rule but at a future social order, one influenced by socialist thought, secular by design, addressed to workers and peasants rather than to any single religious community.The difference is stark. One expresses devotion to the nation through the imagery of the motherland, while the other emerged as a call for revolutionary change and a new social order. One personifies the nation as a mother, while the other invokes revolution as a means of transforming society.&nbsp; &nbsp;

How Vande Mataram and Inquilab Zindabad emerged from different political traditions and came to represent competing ideas of Indian nationalism.

80 years after Indian Independence, two slogans still reverberate through the Indian streets and provide competing visions of Indian nationalism. One is a hymn that visualises the country as a mother, while the other is a battle cry that envisions the future. Both of them abundantly feature in the vocabulary of Indian politics and surface often in parliamentary debates. These words have outlived the movement which birthed them. A song from a novel "Vande Mataram" - "I bow to thee, Mother" did not begin as a slogan at all. It began as a passage of prose and verse inside a novel, Anandamath, by the Bengali writer Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, but turned into a slogan for the movement. Set against the backdrop of the Sanyasi Rebellion of 1770, it is considered India's first Political novel. The broad contour of the novel is that a band of ascetic warriors fight against oppressive rulers. Inside the novel, a song is woven, sung by the ascetic rebels, composed of a hybrid of Sanskrit and Bengali. The song addressed the land as a mother, sorrowful and in need of her children's devotion. The song might have just remained a literary flourish if it were not for Rabindranath Tagore, who set "Vande Mataram" to music and sang it at a session of the Indian National Congress, giving it a public life far beyond the novel's pages. Then, in 1905, against the partition of Bengal, the song became an anthem of resistance that followed. The British banned the public rendition of it in some provinces. To sing Vande Mataram became in itself an act of defiance. Also Read: THDC tunnel collapses in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli, 15 feared trapped; 10 rescued An Urdu poet “Inquilab Zindabad” is Urdu for “Long Live the Revolution”, and is credited to the activist Hasrat Mohani, who coined it around 1921. Mohani had an unusual position, a devout Muslim and one of the early members of the Communist Party of India, and a fierce anti-colonial agitator, all at once. His slogan brought in the energy of the Russian Revolution and mixed with the anti-colonial mood sweeping India. He was a prominent figure of the Khilafat movement, which criticised the British policies against the Ottoman Empire. What makes Mohani unusual is that despite having a Muslim intellectual and political environment and being part of the Khilafat movement, he embraced communism, rejecting the partition and two-state solution. However, the slogan would have remained a footnote in Indian history if it were not for Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt, who threw non-lethal bombs onto the floor of the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi and stood their ground and shouted "Inquilab Zindabad" to be arrested. In Bhagat Singh's words, to make the deaf hear. They went on to shout the same slogan at the end of their life during execution in 1931. Cementing his and the slogan's legacy as uncompromising revolutionary sacrifice. The politics of slogans To understand Vande Mataram, one has to understand the social situation of the novel and the author. It was the genre-defining first political fiction of India. The song was a linguistic brilliance, with a deeply rhythmic, sonorous, and mantric quality. It evokes vivid imagery and personifies the nation. It borrows heavily from Hindu devotional tradition in the later stanzas. So much so that Rabindranath Tagore, its early champion, later expressed reservations about promoting the song's later stanzas, Historically, the narrative of the novel Anandamath is called flawed by many scholars. Set against a backdrop that casts Muslim rulers as antagonists, some of its passages carried a charge that unsettled Muslim leaders within the nationalist movement. Then comes the author's own position in the text: Bankim was an upper-caste, high-ranking civil servant, a Deputy Magistrate under the British Raj. He was a product of the English-educated Bengali elite. Bengal's peasantry was predominantly Muslim, while the landlords and colonial middlemen were largely Hindu, which shaped Bankim's narrative. The novel ends with a profound narrative shift: a realisation that India needs colonial rule, though it remains confusing whether the author himself believed it or was just trying to get the novel published. Compared to this, Singh and his contemporaries in the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association meant the phrase as something closer to a class rallying cry than a nationalist one. Their revolution was aimed not just at British rule but at a future social order, one influenced by socialist thought, secular by design, addressed to workers and peasants rather than to any single religious community. The difference is stark. One expresses devotion to the nation through the imagery of the motherland, while the other emerged as a call for revolutionary change and a new social order. One personifies the nation as a mother, while the other invokes revolution as a means of transforming society.

How Vande Mataram and Inquilab Zindabad emerged from different political traditions and came to represent competing ideas of Indian nationalism.

Vande Mataram and Inquilab Zindabad: Two slogans, two visions of Indian nationalism

India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the national celebrations from the historic Red Fort in Delhi. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on August 10, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh said that this year’s celebrations will have a special significance as India marks 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, the National Song that inspired millions during the freedom struggle.&nbsp;For the first time, ‘Vande Mataram’ will be sung from the ramparts of the Red Fort as a tribute to its enduring legacy and contribution to India’s freedom movement. ‘Vande Mataram’ will be sung upon the Prime Minister’s arrival at the Red Fort. He will then hoist the National Flag and deliver his customary address to the nation. The 2026 Independence Day celebrations will also highlight Yuva Shakti, recognising the contribution of India’s youth towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the defence secretary said.<h2>150 years of Vande Mataram</h2>The celebrations will feature elaborate floral decorations showcasing ‘Vande Mataram’. Around 2,500 boy and girl cadets of the NCC and My Bharat volunteers will form ‘वंदे मातरम्’ on Gyanpath opposite the Red Fort ramparts. An Mi-17 helicopter of the Indian Air Force will also carry a banner commemorating 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ and shower flower petals over people gathered at the Red Fort.<h2>Vande Mataram and India's national consciousness</h2>Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875, Vande Mataram, meaning "I bow to thee, Mother", was popularised through his novel Anandamath. The song resonated strongly with the emerging national consciousness during colonial rule. Its powerful vision of the motherland provided Indians with inspiration and strength during the struggle for political freedom. The evocative imagery and lyrical quality of the composition gradually transformed it into a national symbol.&nbsp;&nbsp;Beyond the demand for political freedom, the song came to represent the deep cultural and emotional bond between the people and the nation. Vande Mataram gained nationwide prominence after Rabindranath Tagore sang it at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress. During the freedom movement, it became a rallying cry for numerous freedom fighters and a powerful symbol of India's resistance to colonial rule.&nbsp;Even 150 years after its composition, Vande Mataram continues to represent patriotism and unity. Its sesquicentenary has renewed public recognition of the song's role in inspiring India's freedom struggle. The recent passage of the Act marks another milestone in recognising the national importance of Vande Mataram.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-calls-for-nationwide-participation-in-har-ghar-tiranga-ahead-of-independence-day-1786471289047">PM Modi calls for nationwide participation in 'Har Ghar Tiranga' ahead of Independence Day</a><h2>Vande Mataram and India's shared national legacy</h2>Vande Mataram received formal recognition on January 24, 1950, when Dr. Rajendra Prasad declared Jana Gana Mana as the National Anthem and Vande Mataram as the National Song. However, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 extended statutory protection to the National Flag, National Anthem and the Constitution of India, but did not provide similar protection to the National Song. While the Constitution recognised Vande Mataram as the National Song, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 did not extend to it the statutory protection available under Section 3 to the National Anthem. The Act seeks to bridge this legislative gap by providing statutory recognition and protection to Vande Mataram.<h2>Why Vande Mataram remains significant</h2>Beyond its historic role in India's freedom struggle, Vande Mataram continues to hold a significant place in the country's public life. For generations, the song has symbolised unity, service and commitment to the nation. Its imagery of nationhood continues to feature in national commemorations and public observances. The song also represents the enduring connection between India's freedom movement and the country's present aspirations.&nbsp;As India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, Vande Mataram offers an opportunity to revisit the energy, sacrifice and enthusiasm that defined the freedom struggle. Its message continues to resonate with values such as national unity, self-reliance and collective responsibility, principles that remain relevant to India's nation-building journey.The Act therefore represents both a symbolic affirmation and legislative recognition of Vande Mataram's place in India's national life.&nbsp;By extending to the National Song the statutory protection available under Section 3 of the Act, Parliament has acknowledged its historic contribution to India's freedom movement and its continuing role as a unifying national symbol.

India's 80th Independence Day celebrations will feature Vande Mataram at Red Fort as the nation marks 150 years of the National Song and celebrates Yuva Shakti

India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the national celebrations from the historic Red Fort in Delhi. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on August 10, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh said that this year’s celebrations will have a special significance as India marks 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, the National Song that inspired millions during the freedom struggle. For the first time, ‘Vande Mataram’ will be sung from the ramparts of the Red Fort as a tribute to its enduring legacy and contribution to India’s freedom movement. ‘Vande Mataram’ will be sung upon the Prime Minister’s arrival at the Red Fort. He will then hoist the National Flag and deliver his customary address to the nation. The 2026 Independence Day celebrations will also highlight Yuva Shakti, recognising the contribution of India’s youth towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the defence secretary said. 150 years of Vande Mataram The celebrations will feature elaborate floral decorations showcasing ‘Vande Mataram’. Around 2,500 boy and girl cadets of the NCC and My Bharat volunteers will form ‘वंदे मातरम्’ on Gyanpath opposite the Red Fort ramparts. An Mi-17 helicopter of the Indian Air Force will also carry a banner commemorating 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ and shower flower petals over people gathered at the Red Fort. Vande Mataram and India's national consciousness Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875, Vande Mataram, meaning "I bow to thee, Mother", was popularised through his novel Anandamath. The song resonated strongly with the emerging national consciousness during colonial rule. Its powerful vision of the motherland provided Indians with inspiration and strength during the struggle for political freedom. The evocative imagery and lyrical quality of the composition gradually transformed it into a national symbol. Beyond the demand for political freedom, the song came to represent the deep cultural and emotional bond between the people and the nation. Vande Mataram gained nationwide prominence after Rabindranath Tagore sang it at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress. During the freedom movement, it became a rallying cry for numerous freedom fighters and a powerful symbol of India's resistance to colonial rule. Even 150 years after its composition, Vande Mataram continues to represent patriotism and unity. Its sesquicentenary has renewed public recognition of the song's role in inspiring India's freedom struggle. The recent passage of the Act marks another milestone in recognising the national importance of Vande Mataram. Also Read: PM Modi calls for nationwide participation in 'Har Ghar Tiranga' ahead of Independence Day Vande Mataram and India's shared national legacy Vande Mataram received formal recognition on January 24, 1950, when Dr. Rajendra Prasad declared Jana Gana Mana as the National Anthem and Vande Mataram as the National Song. However, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 extended statutory protection to the National Flag, National Anthem and the Constitution of India, but did not provide similar protection to the National Song. While the Constitution recognised Vande Mataram as the National Song, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 did not extend to it the statutory protection available under Section 3 to the National Anthem. The Act seeks to bridge this legislative gap by providing statutory recognition and protection to Vande Mataram. Why Vande Mataram remains significant Beyond its historic role in India's freedom struggle, Vande Mataram continues to hold a significant place in the country's public life. For generations, the song has symbolised unity, service and commitment to the nation. Its imagery of nationhood continues to feature in national commemorations and public observances. The song also represents the enduring connection between India's freedom movement and the country's present aspirations. As India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, Vande Mataram offers an opportunity to revisit the energy, sacrifice and enthusiasm that defined the freedom struggle. Its message continues to resonate with values such as national unity, self-reliance and collective responsibility, principles that remain relevant to India's nation-building journey. The Act therefore represents both a symbolic affirmation and legislative recognition of Vande Mataram's place in India's national life. By extending to the National Song the statutory protection available under Section 3 of the Act, Parliament has acknowledged its historic contribution to India's freedom movement and its continuing role as a unifying national symbol.

India's 80th Independence Day will feature Vande Mataram at Red Fort as the nation marks 150 years of the iconic National Song and celebrates Yuva Shakti

150 years of Vande Mataram: Red Fort to witness historic Independence Day celebration

India is preparing to celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, marking 79 completed years of freedom. Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads national events from the Red Fort, featuring the historic inclusion of "Vande Mataram" in the formal program for the 150th anniversary of the national song, alongside the nationwide Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.


India gears up for 80th Independence day celebrations

Invitation cards extended by the Indian Defence Ministry for the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort will include the complete lyrics of Vande Mataram. The invitation cards will reportedly feature all six stanzas of the national song Vande Mataram, and will be performed during the national flag-hoisting ceremony, before the national anthem is played at the 80th Independence Day celebrations.&nbsp;Senior ministers, top military officials, bureaucrats, diplomats, students and distinguished achievers from various fields are among those invited to attend the annual Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.&nbsp;The move by the defence ministry comes a week after the Parliament gave the national song the same status as that of the national anthem. According to Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, any obstruction or insult to the national song is a criminal offence, with a jail term of up to three years and a fine for offenders. The &nbsp;national flag, the national anthem and the Constitution fall under the ambit of this law.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-sukhbir-badal-meeting-bjp-sad-alliance-punjab-2027-1786101731538">PM Modi meets Sukhbir Badal, fuels talk of BJP-SAD reunion in Punjab</a>&nbsp;The government has already made the rendition of all six stanzas of the song mandatory, as against the usual practice of singing the first two stanzas adopted as the national song in 1950.&nbsp;"People know the national anthem by heart, but few can sing the national song. The lyrics have been provided so that people can sing along," reported Hindustan Times quoting an official.&nbsp;An image of Seva Teerth, the new unified administrative complex that houses the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the National Security Council Secretariat, and the Cabinet Secretariat, will be embossed on the invitation card.&nbsp;

The move by the defence ministry comes a week after the Parliament gave the national song the same status as that of the national anthem.

Invitation cards extended by the Indian Defence Ministry for the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort will include the complete lyrics of Vande Mataram. The invitation cards will reportedly feature all six stanzas of the national song Vande Mataram, and will be performed during the national flag-hoisting ceremony, before the national anthem is played at the 80th Independence Day celebrations. Senior ministers, top military officials, bureaucrats, diplomats, students and distinguished achievers from various fields are among those invited to attend the annual Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. The move by the defence ministry comes a week after the Parliament gave the national song the same status as that of the national anthem. According to Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, any obstruction or insult to the national song is a criminal offence, with a jail term of up to three years and a fine for offenders. The national flag, the national anthem and the Constitution fall under the ambit of this law. ALSO READ: PM Modi meets Sukhbir Badal, fuels talk of BJP-SAD reunion in Punjab The government has already made the rendition of all six stanzas of the song mandatory, as against the usual practice of singing the first two stanzas adopted as the national song in 1950. "People know the national anthem by heart, but few can sing the national song. The lyrics have been provided so that people can sing along," reported Hindustan Times quoting an official. An image of Seva Teerth, the new unified administrative complex that houses the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the National Security Council Secretariat, and the Cabinet Secretariat, will be embossed on the invitation card.

The move by the defence ministry comes a week after the Parliament gave the national song the same status as that of the national anthem.

Defence Ministry adds full Vande Mataram lyrics to Independence Day invitation cards. Here's what it means

The Monsoon Session of Parliament witnessed another heated confrontation as the government and the opposition clashed over the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill.

The proposed legislation aims to strengthen India's anti-paper leak law through stricter punishments, faster investigations, and expedited trials. However, the opposition argued that tougher laws alone cannot restore confidence in the examination system without fixing administrative failures.

Parliament Erupts Over Anti-Paper Leak Bill | Opposition Targets Government on Student Protests

A controversy surrounding the national song Vande Mataram rocked the Kerala Assembly on Friday (May 29). The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that the national song was not sung in full in the Kerala Assembly ahead of the Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar's address to the House and called it an "insult" to Lok Bhavan.&nbsp;The official band played only two stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’, disregarding the directive from the Lok Bhavan.&nbsp;Taking to Facebook, Senior BJP leader and Kazhakkoottam MLA V Muraleedharan wrote, "This is an insult to Lok Bhavan and the Honourable Governor. The national song, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary, has also been disrespected."<h2>Governor takes up matter with Speaker</h2>&nbsp;Governor Arlekar while addressing the media at Lok Bhavan also expressed his displeasure over the incident saying, “Yesterday, we had insisted that whenever the governor is present, as per protocol, ‘Vande Mataram’ has to be sung fully. It was not sung, but only played by the band. Yet they could have played it fully. I have spoken to the assembly speaker. Let us see how things develop”.&nbsp;Earlier, the full rendition of Vande Mataram at the swearing-in ceremony of UDF Cabinet triggered a political controversy with Left parties (CPI and CPI(M)) calling the complete recital as inappropriate in a secular and pluralistic society.&nbsp;Notably, Centre has made it mandatory to play the entire six stanza national song for official events.&nbsp;The incident has only added to the ongoing political tensions between the Governor’s office and the state government related to &nbsp;procedural and protocol issues.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Notably, Centre has made it mandatory to play the entire six stanza of the national song Vande Mataram for official events but it was not played in the Kerala assembly allege BJP.

A controversy surrounding the national song Vande Mataram rocked the Kerala Assembly on Friday (May 29). The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that the national song was not sung in full in the Kerala Assembly ahead of the Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar's address to the House and called it an "insult" to Lok Bhavan. The official band played only two stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’, disregarding the directive from the Lok Bhavan. Taking to Facebook, Senior BJP leader and Kazhakkoottam MLA V Muraleedharan wrote, "This is an insult to Lok Bhavan and the Honourable Governor. The national song, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary, has also been disrespected." Governor takes up matter with Speaker Governor Arlekar while addressing the media at Lok Bhavan also expressed his displeasure over the incident saying, “Yesterday, we had insisted that whenever the governor is present, as per protocol, ‘Vande Mataram’ has to be sung fully. It was not sung, but only played by the band. Yet they could have played it fully. I have spoken to the assembly speaker. Let us see how things develop”. Earlier, the full rendition of Vande Mataram at the swearing-in ceremony of UDF Cabinet triggered a political controversy with Left parties (CPI and CPI(M)) calling the complete recital as inappropriate in a secular and pluralistic society. Notably, Centre has made it mandatory to play the entire six stanza national song for official events. The incident has only added to the ongoing political tensions between the Governor’s office and the state government related to procedural and protocol issues.

Notably, Centre has made it mandatory to play the entire six stanza of the national song Vande Mataram for official events but it was not played in the Kerala assembly allege BJP.

'Insult to Lok Bhavan': Truncated ‘Vande Mataram’ sung in Kerala assembly, alleges Opposition

Following its sweeping victory in the Bengal polls, the Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, placing the National Song Vande Mataram on the same footing as the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana. Currently, the law prescribes penalties, including imprisonment, fines or both for insulting the National Flag and Constitution, and for disturbing or preventing the singing of the National Anthem. Under the new proposal, cleared by the Cabinet led by the Prime Minister, Vande Mataram would be included in these provisions, making violations a cognisable offence. The move comes as the country marks 150 years of Vande Mataram. To implement this, Section 3 of the Act, currently dealing with disruptions to the national anthem and punishable by up to three years in jail, a fine, or both, would be amended accordingly. Additionally, the act attracts at least one year's jail term for repeated offences. During the special discussion in the Parliament on the “150th Year of Vande Mataram” in Dec last year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh strongly voiced to elevate the status of the song to match the National Anthem. He also accused Congress of historically communalising and ignoring it due to appeasement politics. The decision carries political weight due to the song’s deep cultural and historical significance, especially in Bengal, and its key role in India’s freedom struggle. Unlike the national anthem, it has not previously had explicit legal protection.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/jfk-close-call-plane-flies-500-feet-above-delta-aircraft-as-both-try-to-land-1778037967293">JFK close call: Plane flies just 500 feet above Delta aircraft as both try to land</a> &nbsp;

The centre has approved a proposal to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, granting Vande Mataram legal status equal to the national anthem. The move, marking the song’s 150th year, would make disrupting or insulting it a cognisable offence punishable by jail or fine.

Following its sweeping victory in the Bengal polls, the Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, placing the National Song Vande Mataram on the same footing as the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana. Currently, the law prescribes penalties, including imprisonment, fines or both for insulting the National Flag and Constitution, and for disturbing or preventing the singing of the National Anthem. Under the new proposal, cleared by the Cabinet led by the Prime Minister, Vande Mataram would be included in these provisions, making violations a cognisable offence. The move comes as the country marks 150 years of Vande Mataram. To implement this, Section 3 of the Act, currently dealing with disruptions to the national anthem and punishable by up to three years in jail, a fine, or both, would be amended accordingly. Additionally, the act attracts at least one year's jail term for repeated offences. During the special discussion in the Parliament on the “150th Year of Vande Mataram” in Dec last year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh strongly voiced to elevate the status of the song to match the National Anthem. He also accused Congress of historically communalising and ignoring it due to appeasement politics. The decision carries political weight due to the song’s deep cultural and historical significance, especially in Bengal, and its key role in India’s freedom struggle. Unlike the national anthem, it has not previously had explicit legal protection. Also read: JFK close call: Plane flies just 500 feet above Delta aircraft as both try to land

The centre has approved a proposal to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, granting Vande Mataram legal status equal to the national anthem. The move, marking the song’s 150th year, would make disrupting or insulting it a cognisable offence punishable by jail or fine.

Post Bengal win, Centre moves to give Vande Mataram legal status equal to National Anthem

The Bihar government has directed all government educational institutions in the state to begin their programmes with the national song Vande Mataram, according to an official order issued recently. Institutions have also been instructed to conclude events with the state song Mere Bharat Ke Kanth Haar.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/lpg-rule-changes-price-hike-likely-from-may-1-new-booking-and-ekyc-rules-kick-in-all-you-need-to-know-1777364324373">LPG price hike likely from May 1? New booking &amp; eKYC rules kick in: Check inside</a>&nbsp;The directive was circulated to senior officials across departments, including additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries, secretaries, department heads, the director general of police, divisional commissioners and district magistrates, ensuring its implementation across the state.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pm-modi-plays-friendly-football-game-with-young-footballers-in-gangtok-during-sikkim-visit-in-pics-1777359696574">PM Modi plays friendly football game with young footballers in Gangtok | In Pics</a>&nbsp;Reacting to the move, Union Minister Chirag Paswan said that guidelines issued earlier by the Ministry of Home Affairs had stated that “Vande Mataram” should be accorded the same respect as the national anthem. He added that people should stand and observe proper decorum when it is played, and that it should be sung alongside the national anthem wherever applicable.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heatwave-grips-jammu-as-kashmir-sees-unseasonal-warmth-met-issues-advisory-1777287416187">Heatwave grips Jammu as Kashmir sees unseasonal warmth, MeT issues advisory</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Abhay Kushwaha offered a differing view. As reported by IANS, he said that schools have traditionally sung a variety of songs before classes, each carrying different themes and messages. He noted that it is not necessary for “Vande Mataram” alone to be sung in every institution.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rini-sampath-india-born-woman-becomes-1st-south-asian-to-run-for-washington-dc-mayoral-election-1777361485404">Rini Sampath becomes 1st South Asian to run for Washington DC mayoral election</a>&nbsp;The directive has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some users welcoming the move as a reflection of nationalism, while others criticised the government for making it mandatory.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-overtakes-major-powers-to-become-one-of-top-5-global-military-spenders-what-about-pakistan-1777342605818">India overtakes major powers to become one of top 5 global military spenders; what about Pakistan?</a> &nbsp;

The Bihar government mandated starting educational programmes with Vande Mataram and ending with the state song. The directive sparked political debate over nationalism, mandatory protocols, and traditional school practices.

The Bihar government has directed all government educational institutions in the state to begin their programmes with the national song Vande Mataram, according to an official order issued recently. Institutions have also been instructed to conclude events with the state song Mere Bharat Ke Kanth Haar. Also read: LPG price hike likely from May 1? New booking & eKYC rules kick in: Check inside The directive was circulated to senior officials across departments, including additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries, secretaries, department heads, the director general of police, divisional commissioners and district magistrates, ensuring its implementation across the state. Also read: PM Modi plays friendly football game with young footballers in Gangtok | In Pics Reacting to the move, Union Minister Chirag Paswan said that guidelines issued earlier by the Ministry of Home Affairs had stated that “Vande Mataram” should be accorded the same respect as the national anthem. He added that people should stand and observe proper decorum when it is played, and that it should be sung alongside the national anthem wherever applicable. Also read: Heatwave grips Jammu as Kashmir sees unseasonal warmth, MeT issues advisory Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Abhay Kushwaha offered a differing view. As reported by IANS, he said that schools have traditionally sung a variety of songs before classes, each carrying different themes and messages. He noted that it is not necessary for “Vande Mataram” alone to be sung in every institution. Also read: Rini Sampath becomes 1st South Asian to run for Washington DC mayoral election The directive has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some users welcoming the move as a reflection of nationalism, while others criticised the government for making it mandatory. Also read: India overtakes major powers to become one of top 5 global military spenders; what about Pakistan?

The Bihar government mandated starting educational programmes with Vande Mataram and ending with the state song. The directive sparked political debate over nationalism, mandatory protocols, and traditional school practices.

Bihar govt makes Vande Mataram mandatory before any programme for all educational institutions

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s ‘Vande Mataram’, originally titled ‘Bande Mataram’, is in the eye of the storm again; this time it’s a debate in the parliament. The national song has completed 150 years, and on Tuesday (Dec 9), Home Minister Amit Shah was seen discussing the matter and also urging Congress MPs to engage. He said, “Congress MPs are questioning the need for having discussions on Vande Mataram and calling it a political strategy and a way of diverting from the issues. Nobody is scared of discussions on issues. We are not the ones boycotting the Parliament. If they want to discuss, they need to stop boycotting, and all discussions will take place.”&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, &quot;... Congress MPs are questioning the need for having discussions on Vande Mataram and calling it a political strategy and a way of diverting from the issues. Nobody is scared of discussions on issues. We are not the ones boycotting… <a href="https://t.co/iMYau9Gkes">pic.twitter.com/iMYau9Gkes</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1998306613372035456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Yesterday, in the house, PM Modi said that the original poem by Chatterjee was truncated because it was said to “irritate Muslims,” after Muhammad Ali Jinnah raised a slogan against the song on 15 October 1937 in Lucknow. It was brought down to stanzas. “Instead of giving a response to the Muslim League's baseless statements, Nehru started investigating Vande Mataram. Five days after this, Nehru wrote a letter to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose mentioning that he agrees with the feeling of Mohammad Ali Jinnah and wrote, 'Vande Mataram's background in the Anand Math can irritate Muslims,” PM Modi continued.

Home Minister Amit Shah was seen discussing the matter and also urging Congress MPs to engage. He said, “Congress MPs are questioning the need for having discussions on Vande Mataram and calling it a political strategy and a way of diverting from the issues."

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s ‘Vande Mataram’, originally titled ‘Bande Mataram’, is in the eye of the storm again; this time it’s a debate in the parliament. The national song has completed 150 years, and on Tuesday (Dec 9), Home Minister Amit Shah was seen discussing the matter and also urging Congress MPs to engage. He said, “Congress MPs are questioning the need for having discussions on Vande Mataram and calling it a political strategy and a way of diverting from the issues. Nobody is scared of discussions on issues. We are not the ones boycotting the Parliament. If they want to discuss, they need to stop boycotting, and all discussions will take place.”

Home Minister Amit Shah was seen discussing the matter and also urging Congress MPs to engage. He said, “Congress MPs are questioning the need for having discussions on Vande Mataram and calling it a political strategy and a way of diverting from the issues."

150 years on, 'Vande Mataram' in eye of storm; Amit Shah urges Congress MPs to engage in debate

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned the ongoing debate on the national song of India on Monday (Dec 8), alleging that the government was using the discussion to divert attention from public issues. Vadra said that there was "no controversy" around Vande Mataram. While speaking in the Lok Sabha during the special sitting convened to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram, Vadra said, “Why are we having a debate on Vande Mataram? What debate can there be on the national song?".&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-1-200-to-each-affected-house-38-5-million-for-residents-aid-hong-kong-govt-after-building-fire-kills-55-leaves-hundreds-homeless-1764243371424">‘$1,200 to each affected house, $38.5 million for residents’ aid’: Hong Kong govt after building fire kills 55, leaves hundreds homeless</a>&nbsp;She added that the timing of the discussion on the national song was politically motivated, “We are having a Vande Mataram debate because West Bengal polls are coming."&nbsp;She said that while the Indian citizens were struggling with multiple challenges in the country, the government was “not finding solutions". She accused the ruling party was using &nbsp;Parliament to “level more accusations against those who fought for freedom and made sacrifices for the country".&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-white-house-has-recieved-report-on-macron-s-plan-to-assassinate-me-candace-owens-another-big-claim-as-her-show-goes-off-air-1764165691510">‘White House has received report on Macron’s plan to assassinate me’: Candace Owens’ ANOTHER BIG CLAIM as her show goes off air</a>&nbsp;Shortly after her speech, the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) hit back at Vadra, claiming that she was undermining a historic symbol of the freedom struggle.&nbsp;BJP's national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said on X, “Priyanka Vadra questions the need to discuss Vande Mataram in Parliament—the very song which is the foundation of the Indian freedom struggle. ‘Aaj behes ki kya jarurat hai?’ This is the Muslim League–Maoist Congress thought! Talk about Gaza, be silent on Vande Mataram."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-announces-40-billion-defence-budget-to-counter-china-s-invasion-and-to-refuse-to-submit-to-being-china-s-taiwan-1764156268611">Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion and to ‘refuse to submit to being China’s Taiwan’</a>

Shortly after her speech, the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) hit back at Vadra, claiming that she was undermining a historic symbol of the freedom struggle.



Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned the ongoing debate on the national song of India on Monday (Dec 8), alleging that the government was using the discussion to divert attention from public issues. Vadra said that there was "no controversy" around Vande Mataram. While speaking in the Lok Sabha during the special sitting convened to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram, Vadra said, “Why are we having a debate on Vande Mataram? What debate can there be on the national song?". Also read: ‘$1,200 to each affected house, $38.5 million for residents’ aid’: Hong Kong govt after building fire kills 55, leaves hundreds homeless She added that the timing of the discussion on the national song was politically motivated, “We are having a Vande Mataram debate because West Bengal polls are coming." She said that while the Indian citizens were struggling with multiple challenges in the country, the government was “not finding solutions". She accused the ruling party was using Parliament to “level more accusations against those who fought for freedom and made sacrifices for the country". Also read: ‘White House has received report on Macron’s plan to assassinate me’: Candace Owens’ ANOTHER BIG CLAIM as her show goes off air Shortly after her speech, the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) hit back at Vadra, claiming that she was undermining a historic symbol of the freedom struggle. BJP's national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said on X, “Priyanka Vadra questions the need to discuss Vande Mataram in Parliament—the very song which is the foundation of the Indian freedom struggle. ‘Aaj behes ki kya jarurat hai?’ This is the Muslim League–Maoist Congress thought! Talk about Gaza, be silent on Vande Mataram." Also read: Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion and to ‘refuse to submit to being China’s Taiwan’

Shortly after her speech, the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) hit back at Vadra, claiming that she was undermining a historic symbol of the freedom struggle.&nbsp;

‘We’re having Vande Mataram debate because West Bengal polls are coming’: Priyanka Gandhi on national song row

A fresh political row has erupted as the BJP and Congress clash over the recitation of ‘Vande Mataram’ and the alleged omission of its lesser-known stanzas. The debate has triggered sharp reactions across political circles, with both parties accusing each other of distorting tradition and national sentiment.

Breaking: BJP vs Congress Over ‘Vande Mataram’ Missing Stanzas

The lower house of the Parliament, the Lok Sabha will hold a special discussion on December 8, to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram, during which several important, lesser-known historical facets of the iconic national song are expected to be highlighted. According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will initiate the debate at 12 noon on Monday, marking the formal beginning of the proceedings. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is also scheduled to speak at the conclusion of the discussion. The BJP-led NDA government has been allotted three hours for its participation in the Lok Sabha debate, while a total of 10 hours has been earmarked for the entire discussion, as the debate will also take place in the upper house, the Rajya Sabha, on Tuesday, December 9. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to open the discussion in the Upper House. These discussions are part of the special parliamentary focus on commemorating the legacy and 150 years of Vande Mataram. Meanwhile, eight leaders from Congress will also speak in the Lok Sabha, which includes Deputy Lok Sabha LoP Gaurav Gogoi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Deepender Hooda, Bimol Akoijam, Praniti Shinde, Prashant Padole, Chamala Reddy, and Jyotsna Mahant. The Winter session of Parliament commenced on December 1 and will continue till December 19. The 150th anniversary of India's National Song, Vande Mataram, which translates to "Mother, I Bow to Thee", was observed on November 7 this year. Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, 'Vande Mataram' was first published in the literary journal Bangadarshan on November 7, 1875. Later, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee incorporated the hymn in his immortal novel 'Anandamath', which was published in 1882. It was set to music by Rabindranath Tagore. It has become an integral part of the nation's civilisational, political and cultural consciousness. PM Modi had inaugurated the year-long commemoration of 150 Years of 'Vande Mataram' in the national capital on November 7. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, PM Modi remarked that Vande Mataram is not merely a word - it is a mantra, an energy, a dream, and a solemn resolve. He highlighted that Vande Mataram embodies "devotion and spiritual dedication to Maa Bharati". The Prime Minister stated that the song connects people to the country's history, fills the present with confidence, and inspires the future with the courage to believe that no resolve is beyond fulfilment, and no goal is beyond reach. (ANI)

The BJP-led NDA government has been allotted three hours for its participation in the Lok Sabha debate, while a total of 10 hours has been earmarked for the entire discussion.

The lower house of the Parliament, the Lok Sabha will hold a special discussion on December 8, to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram, during which several important, lesser-known historical facets of the iconic national song are expected to be highlighted. According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will initiate the debate at 12 noon on Monday, marking the formal beginning of the proceedings. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is also scheduled to speak at the conclusion of the discussion. The BJP-led NDA government has been allotted three hours for its participation in the Lok Sabha debate, while a total of 10 hours has been earmarked for the entire discussion, as the debate will also take place in the upper house, the Rajya Sabha, on Tuesday, December 9. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to open the discussion in the Upper House. These discussions are part of the special parliamentary focus on commemorating the legacy and 150 years of Vande Mataram. Meanwhile, eight leaders from Congress will also speak in the Lok Sabha, which includes Deputy Lok Sabha LoP Gaurav Gogoi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Deepender Hooda, Bimol Akoijam, Praniti Shinde, Prashant Padole, Chamala Reddy, and Jyotsna Mahant. The Winter session of Parliament commenced on December 1 and will continue till December 19. The 150th anniversary of India's National Song, Vande Mataram, which translates to "Mother, I Bow to Thee", was observed on November 7 this year. Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, 'Vande Mataram' was first published in the literary journal Bangadarshan on November 7, 1875. Later, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee incorporated the hymn in his immortal novel 'Anandamath', which was published in 1882. It was set to music by Rabindranath Tagore. It has become an integral part of the nation's civilisational, political and cultural consciousness. PM Modi had inaugurated the year-long commemoration of 150 Years of 'Vande Mataram' in the national capital on November 7. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, PM Modi remarked that Vande Mataram is not merely a word - it is a mantra, an energy, a dream, and a solemn resolve. He highlighted that Vande Mataram embodies "devotion and spiritual dedication to Maa Bharati". The Prime Minister stated that the song connects people to the country's history, fills the present with confidence, and inspires the future with the courage to believe that no resolve is beyond fulfilment, and no goal is beyond reach. (ANI)

The BJP-led NDA government has been allotted three hours for its participation in the Lok Sabha debate, while a total of 10 hours has been earmarked for the entire discussion.

Lok Sabha to hold special discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram, PM Modi to address house

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in India has accused the main opposition party Congress and the former prime minister of the country Jawahar Lal Nehru of altering the lyrics of the national song, 'Vande Mataram'. BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan on Friday said the ex-Prime Minister specifically removed references to the goddess Durga to appease one community.Kesavan alleged that the Congress, under Nehru's in 1937 adopted only a shorter version of the national song deliberately.&nbsp;"It is imperative for the younger generation to know how the Congress, pandering to its communal agenda, adopted a shortened Vande Mataram at its Faizpur session. The glorious Vande Mataram became the voice of our nation’s unity and solidarity, celebrating our motherland, instilling nationalistic spirit and fostering patriotism," wrote Kesavan on X.&nbsp;"But the Congress committed the historic sin and blunder of linking the song with religion. Congress under Nehru citing religious grounds deliberately removed stanzas of Vande Mataram which hailed Goddess Ma Durga," Kesavan added.&nbsp;Citing a letter written to Subhash Chandra Bose, the BJP leader said that Nehru reportedly said the background of Vande Mataram was "likely to irritate Muslims".&nbsp;Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in a mass recital of the full version of Vande Mataram across the nation on the 150th anniversary of its creation, confirmed Kesavan.&nbsp;Earlier today the PM also took to X to talk about how the 'Vande Mataram' song was truncated"In 1937, a portion of 'Vande Mataram' was severed... it was torn apart. The division sowed the seeds of the nation's division. It is important for today's generation to understand why... Divisive thinking remains a challenge today," Modi wrote on X.<h2>Congress Reacts</h2>&nbsp;Responding to the allegations, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said "It is deeply ironic that those who today claim to be the self-proclaimed guardians of nationalism - the RSS and the BJP, have never sung Vande Mataram or our National Anthem Jana Gana Mana in their shakhas or offices. Instead, they continue to sing Namaste Sada Vatsale, a song glorifying their organisations, not the nation."&nbsp;

Kesavan alleged that the Congress, under Nehrus in 1937 adopted only a shorter version of the national song deliberately to appease one community.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in India has accused the main opposition party Congress and the former prime minister of the country Jawahar Lal Nehru of altering the lyrics of the national song, 'Vande Mataram'. BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan on Friday said the ex-Prime Minister specifically removed references to the goddess Durga to appease one community. Kesavan alleged that the Congress, under Nehru's in 1937 adopted only a shorter version of the national song deliberately. "It is imperative for the younger generation to know how the Congress, pandering to its communal agenda, adopted a shortened Vande Mataram at its Faizpur session. The glorious Vande Mataram became the voice of our nation’s unity and solidarity, celebrating our motherland, instilling nationalistic spirit and fostering patriotism," wrote Kesavan on X. "But the Congress committed the historic sin and blunder of linking the song with religion. Congress under Nehru citing religious grounds deliberately removed stanzas of Vande Mataram which hailed Goddess Ma Durga," Kesavan added. Citing a letter written to Subhash Chandra Bose, the BJP leader said that Nehru reportedly said the background of Vande Mataram was "likely to irritate Muslims". Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in a mass recital of the full version of Vande Mataram across the nation on the 150th anniversary of its creation, confirmed Kesavan. Earlier today the PM also took to X to talk about how the 'Vande Mataram' song was truncated "In 1937, a portion of 'Vande Mataram' was severed... it was torn apart. The division sowed the seeds of the nation's division. It is important for today's generation to understand why... Divisive thinking remains a challenge today," Modi wrote on X. Congress Reacts Responding to the allegations, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said "It is deeply ironic that those who today claim to be the self-proclaimed guardians of nationalism - the RSS and the BJP, have never sung Vande Mataram or our National Anthem Jana Gana Mana in their shakhas or offices. Instead, they continue to sing Namaste Sada Vatsale, a song glorifying their organisations, not the nation."

Kesavan alleged that the Congress, under Nehru's in 1937 adopted only a shorter version of the national song deliberately to appease one community.

Nehru deliberately removed Ma Durga stanzas from Vande Mataram on religious grounds, claims BJP

November 7, 2025, marks the 150th anniversary of the Indian National Song Vande Mataram. Composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the song first appeared on Bangadarshan on November 7, 1875. He later incorporated it in his immortal novel, 'Anandamath' in 1882 and was first sung by Nobel laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore in the 1896 Indian National Congress session. It was adopted by the Constituent Assembly as the National song in 1950. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the year-long celebration of the national song at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.&nbsp;<h2>Key facts about Vande Mataram</h2><ol><li>Meaning of Vande Mataram- Vande Mataram is originally written in Sanskrit and has been adopted in many languages. The term Vande Mataram translates to “Mother, I Bow to Thee”. The song personifies India as a mother figure and praises its beauty and spirit in great detail.</li><li>Indian National song is not the complete Vande Mataram: The song Vande Mataram was sung in the novel, 'Anandamath', which is about ascetic rebels who find a couple separated during the Bengal famine and try to reconnect them. The rebels were staging a revolution against the British East India Company. The Novel imagines an alternate universe where unskilled rebels manage to defeat the East India Company's armed troops. The ascetic rebels idolised the motherland as a goddess who had been plundered and would regain her true form through revolution. The Indian National Song uses the first two stanzas of the Vande Mataram. The original Vande Mataram has six stanzas. The later stanzas invoke explicit imagery of various deties, so the two stanzas were used to make it more inclusive.</li><li>Awakened Indian conscience: The song Vande Mataram awakened Indian nationalism; it became a slogan, a battle cry for the independence movement. It was first used as a slogan in 1905 during the movement against the Bengal Partition. The melody became a movement. The British banned the song and the novel to reduce its impact.</li><li>&nbsp;Absolute unanimity: In the constituent assembly, there was absolute unanimity for adopting the Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana as the national song and the national anthem.</li><li>There is no fixed rule: Unlike the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, there is no requirement to stand up or not to move or maintain decorum for reciting or singing Vande Mataram.</li></ol><h2>150 Years of Vande Mataram</h2>Vande Mataram is imbued in Indian consciousness. From the plains of Bengal to Bombay and Punjab, everywhere in India, the song was emblematic of the collective aspiration for freedom and self-governance. The song manages to materialise the abstract idea of patriotism and nationalism. During the colonial period, it was a symbol of resistance, and today, after 150 years, it is a collective identity, a collective aspiration, and a collective effervescence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India marks 150 years of Vande Mataram on November 7, 2025. Learn about its history, meaning, significance, and PM Modi’s inauguration of the celebrations.

November 7, 2025, marks the 150th anniversary of the Indian National Song Vande Mataram. Composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the song first appeared on Bangadarshan on November 7, 1875. He later incorporated it in his immortal novel, 'Anandamath' in 1882 and was first sung by Nobel laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore in the 1896 Indian National Congress session. It was adopted by the Constituent Assembly as the National song in 1950. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the year-long celebration of the national song at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. Key facts about Vande Mataram Meaning of Vande Mataram- Vande Mataram is originally written in Sanskrit and has been adopted in many languages. The term Vande Mataram translates to “Mother, I Bow to Thee”. The song personifies India as a mother figure and praises its beauty and spirit in great detail. Indian National song is not the complete Vande Mataram: The song Vande Mataram was sung in the novel, 'Anandamath', which is about ascetic rebels who find a couple separated during the Bengal famine and try to reconnect them. The rebels were staging a revolution against the British East India Company. The Novel imagines an alternate universe where unskilled rebels manage to defeat the East India Company's armed troops. The ascetic rebels idolised the motherland as a goddess who had been plundered and would regain her true form through revolution. The Indian National Song uses the first two stanzas of the Vande Mataram. The original Vande Mataram has six stanzas. The later stanzas invoke explicit imagery of various deties, so the two stanzas were used to make it more inclusive. Awakened Indian conscience: The song Vande Mataram awakened Indian nationalism; it became a slogan, a battle cry for the independence movement. It was first used as a slogan in 1905 during the movement against the Bengal Partition. The melody became a movement. The British banned the song and the novel to reduce its impact. Absolute unanimity: In the constituent assembly, there was absolute unanimity for adopting the Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana as the national song and the national anthem. There is no fixed rule: Unlike the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, there is no requirement to stand up or not to move or maintain decorum for reciting or singing Vande Mataram. 150 Years of Vande Mataram Vande Mataram is imbued in Indian consciousness. From the plains of Bengal to Bombay and Punjab, everywhere in India, the song was emblematic of the collective aspiration for freedom and self-governance. The song manages to materialise the abstract idea of patriotism and nationalism. During the colonial period, it was a symbol of resistance, and today, after 150 years, it is a collective identity, a collective aspiration, and a collective effervescence.

India marks 150 years of Vande Mataram on November 7, 2025. Learn about its history, meaning, significance, and how even after 150 years, the song evokes national unity.

150 Years of Vande Mataram: Key facts every Indian should know about the song

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday termed patriotism as an emotion beyond words and said that Vande Mataram is the song that lends tangible voice form to that abstract feeling. In the 127th episode of "Mann Ki Baat" monthly radio programme, PM Modi said the "timeless anthem" continues to awaken patriotism and unity among Indians. He also announced that this year marks the 150th year of the 'Vande Mataram' song.&nbsp;Describing the song as a powerful symbol of national pride, PM Modi said, "India's national song, 'Vande Mataram', a song whose very first word evokes a surge of emotions in our hearts. 'Vande Mataram', this one word contains so many emotions, so many energies. In simple terms, it makes us experience the maternal affection of Ma Bharati. It makes us aware of our responsibilities as children of Ma Bharati."&nbsp;The Prime Minister highlighted how the chant of "Vande Mataram" has long served as a rallying cry for unity. "If there is a moment of difficulty, the chant of 'Vande Mataram' fills 140 crore Indians with the energy of unity. Patriotism, love for Ma Bharati, if this is an emotion beyond words, then 'Vande Mataram' is the song that lends tangible voice form to that abstract feeling," he said.&nbsp;Tracing its origins, PM Modi recalled that Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay composed "Vande Mataram" in the 19th century "to infuse new life into an India weakened by centuries of servitude." He added, "It might have been written in the 19th century, but its spirit is connected to the immortal consciousness of India that is thousands of years old."&nbsp;Connecting the song's message to India's ancient wisdom, the Prime Minister said the Vedas laid the foundation of the Indian civilization. "Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, by penning 'Vande Mataram', enshrined that same relationship between the motherland and its children as a mantra in the universe of emotions."&nbsp;PM Modi highlighted that on November 7, the country will be entering the 150th year of the celebration of Vande Mataram. The song was composed 150 years ago, and in 1896, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore sang it for the first time.&nbsp;He further said, "We must also make the 150th year of 'Vande Mataram' memorable. We have to carry forward this stream of values for the coming generations. In the times to come, there will be many programs related to 'Vande Mataram', many events will be organized in the country. I would like all of us countrymen to make efforts with a spontaneous spirit to glorify 'Vande Mataram'."&nbsp;Mann Ki Baat is Prime Minister Modi's monthly radio programme in which he discusses important national issues with the citizens of India. The programme is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month. Launched on October 3, 2014, Mann Ki Baat aims to connect with various segments of Indian society, encompassing women, the elderly, and the youth.&nbsp;Apart from 22 Indian languages and 29 dialects, 'Mann Ki Baat' is broadcast in 11 foreign languages, including French, Chinese, Indonesian, Tibetan, Burmese, Balochi, Arabic, Pashto, Persian, Dari, and Swahili. Mann Ki Baat is broadcast by more than 500 centres of All India Radio.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Describing the song as a powerful symbol of national pride, PM Modi said, "India's national song, 'Vande Mataram', a song whose very first word evokes a surge of emotions in our hearts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday termed patriotism as an emotion beyond words and said that Vande Mataram is the song that lends tangible voice form to that abstract feeling. In the 127th episode of "Mann Ki Baat" monthly radio programme, PM Modi said the "timeless anthem" continues to awaken patriotism and unity among Indians. He also announced that this year marks the 150th year of the 'Vande Mataram' song. Describing the song as a powerful symbol of national pride, PM Modi said, "India's national song, 'Vande Mataram', a song whose very first word evokes a surge of emotions in our hearts. 'Vande Mataram', this one word contains so many emotions, so many energies. In simple terms, it makes us experience the maternal affection of Ma Bharati. It makes us aware of our responsibilities as children of Ma Bharati." The Prime Minister highlighted how the chant of "Vande Mataram" has long served as a rallying cry for unity. "If there is a moment of difficulty, the chant of 'Vande Mataram' fills 140 crore Indians with the energy of unity. Patriotism, love for Ma Bharati, if this is an emotion beyond words, then 'Vande Mataram' is the song that lends tangible voice form to that abstract feeling," he said. Tracing its origins, PM Modi recalled that Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay composed "Vande Mataram" in the 19th century "to infuse new life into an India weakened by centuries of servitude." He added, "It might have been written in the 19th century, but its spirit is connected to the immortal consciousness of India that is thousands of years old." Connecting the song's message to India's ancient wisdom, the Prime Minister said the Vedas laid the foundation of the Indian civilization. "Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, by penning 'Vande Mataram', enshrined that same relationship between the motherland and its children as a mantra in the universe of emotions." PM Modi highlighted that on November 7, the country will be entering the 150th year of the celebration of Vande Mataram. The song was composed 150 years ago, and in 1896, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore sang it for the first time. He further said, "We must also make the 150th year of 'Vande Mataram' memorable. We have to carry forward this stream of values for the coming generations. In the times to come, there will be many programs related to 'Vande Mataram', many events will be organized in the country. I would like all of us countrymen to make efforts with a spontaneous spirit to glorify 'Vande Mataram'." Mann Ki Baat is Prime Minister Modi's monthly radio programme in which he discusses important national issues with the citizens of India. The programme is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month. Launched on October 3, 2014, Mann Ki Baat aims to connect with various segments of Indian society, encompassing women, the elderly, and the youth. Apart from 22 Indian languages and 29 dialects, 'Mann Ki Baat' is broadcast in 11 foreign languages, including French, Chinese, Indonesian, Tibetan, Burmese, Balochi, Arabic, Pashto, Persian, Dari, and Swahili. Mann Ki Baat is broadcast by more than 500 centres of All India Radio. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Describing the song as a powerful symbol of national pride, PM Modi said, "India's national song, 'Vande Mataram', a song whose very first word evokes a surge of emotions in our hearts.

‘One song, infinite emotions’: PM Modi calls citizen to celebrate 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’

The internet is a place of gems.&nbsp;

Recently a four-year-old Mizoram girl named Esther Hnamte sang AR Rahman’s popular version of the Indian national song Vande Mataram as she crooned in her sweet voice. The song caught on the fancy of netizens as it even got attention from the Chief Minister of the state.

He then shared the song as the video kept lapping views.&nbsp;

The video of the song was uploaded on October 25. "Dear brothers and sisters, be proud that you are an Indian. It is a land of love, care and affection. So lovely the variety in languages, cultures, lifestyle... Let us stand together to be good sons and daughters for our motherland in spite of the diversities," the video description says.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Mesmerizing Esther Hnamte, a 4-years-old kid from Lunglei, Mizoram singing 
Maa Tujhe Salaam; Vande Mataram <a href="https://t.co/at40H8j3zv">https://t.co/at40H8j3zv</a> <a href="https://t.co/O1Nq2LxACK">pic.twitter.com/O1Nq2LxACK</a>
— Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZoramthangaCM/status/1322063197583691777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga tweeted the video, praising Esther Hnamte for her version of the national song. "Mesmerizing Esther Hnamte, a 4-year-old kid from Lunglei, Mizoram singing "Maa Tujhe Salaam, Vande Mataram," Zoramthanga tweeted.

Musician AR Rahman had sung his blockbuster ‘Vande Mataram’ for his studio album of the same name in 1997.&nbsp;

The internet is a place of gems. Recently a four-year-old Mizoram girl named Esther Hnamte sang AR Rahman’s popular version of the Indian national song Vande Mataram as she crooned in her sweet voice.

The internet is a place of gems. Recently a four-year-old Mizoram girl named Esther Hnamte sang AR Rahman’s popular version of the Indian national song Vande Mataram as she crooned in her sweet voice. The song caught on the fancy of netizens as it even got attention from the Chief Minister of the state. He then shared the song as the video kept lapping views. The video of the song was uploaded on October 25. "Dear brothers and sisters, be proud that you are an Indian. It is a land of love, care and affection. So lovely the variety in languages, cultures, lifestyle... Let us stand together to be good sons and daughters for our motherland in spite of the diversities," the video description says. Mesmerizing Esther Hnamte, a 4-years-old kid from Lunglei, Mizoram singing Maa Tujhe Salaam; Vande Mataram https://t.co/at40H8j3zv pic.twitter.com/O1Nq2LxACK — Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) October 30, 2020 × Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga tweeted the video, praising Esther Hnamte for her version of the national song. "Mesmerizing Esther Hnamte, a 4-year-old kid from Lunglei, Mizoram singing "Maa Tujhe Salaam, Vande Mataram," Zoramthanga tweeted. Musician AR Rahman had sung his blockbuster ‘Vande Mataram’ for his studio album of the same name in 1997.

This 4-year-old Mizoram girl will charm you with her rendition of AR Rahman's 'Vande Mataram'

A new controversy has erupted as the singing of 'Vande Mataram', started by the previous Shivaraj Singh Chouhan led Madhya Pradesh government on the first working day of every month at the State Secretariat in Bhopal, has been put on hold by the new Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath.

The first two verses of 'Vande Mataram', written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in praise of the “Mother” (Goddess), symbolising the motherland and composed into a song by Rabindranath Tagore, were adopted as the National Song of India during British rule by the Congress party.

Due to the Kamal Nath government’s stand on the singing of Vande Mataram at the State Secretariat, those in the BJP have put the Congress in the dock. BJP leaders claim that the Kamal Nath government is trying to appease a particular community. According to them, stopping the 13-year-old practice of singing 'Vande Mataram' at the State Secretariat is an insult of those who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of the nation.

BJP President Amit Shah used the social media to assert that the banning of the song 'Vande Mataram' by the Congress government of Madhya Pradesh is like treason and an insult to the nation. 'Vande Mataram' is not just a song, it is the symbol of India's freedom movement and the inspiration for every Indian, Shah emphasised. &nbsp;

Dragging Congress president Rahul Gandhi into this controversy, the BJP president has asked whether it was on his instructions that the singing of 'Vande Mataram' was stopped by the state Congress government?&nbsp;

Trying to put a lid on this matter, Kamal Nath has said that 'Vande Mataram' is deeply rooted in every citizen’s heart and his government is going to take initiative to start it again in a different format. But the BJP is in an unrelenting mood. Meanwhile, former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced that this coming Monday, January 7, all the BJP MLAs will assemble and sing Vande Mataram at the Secretariat.

The present controversy is the perfect recipe for a battle of wits between the BJP and the Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha polls this year. Right now, it is advantage BJP, which has already scored an early point by going on the offensive from the word go. The BJP President has been quick in putting the Congress in the dock, roping in Rahul Gandhi and accusing the state Congress government of turning Madhya Pradesh –the heart of India – into a centre of appeasement (to please a particular community). Congress steps to counter the BJP onslaught in the coming days will be viewed only as a face-saving strategy and the BJP will leave no stone unturned to take political mileage from this.

Besides Ayodhya, Rafale, triple talaq, farmers’ distress, more and more contentious issues that polarise the voters on narrow lines have started sprouting up ahead of the elections. In the process, the vital agenda of development that should be at the centre of general public discourse remains on the back burner.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

A new controversy has erupted as the singing of 'Vande Mataram', started by the previous Shivaraj Singh Chouhan led Madhya Pradesh government on the first working day of every month at the State Secretariat in Bhopal, has been put on hold by the new Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath.

A new controversy has erupted as the singing of 'Vande Mataram', started by the previous Shivaraj Singh Chouhan led Madhya Pradesh government on the first working day of every month at the State Secretariat in Bhopal, has been put on hold by the new Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath. The first two verses of 'Vande Mataram', written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in praise of the “Mother” (Goddess), symbolising the motherland and composed into a song by Rabindranath Tagore, were adopted as the National Song of India during British rule by the Congress party. Due to the Kamal Nath government’s stand on the singing of Vande Mataram at the State Secretariat, those in the BJP have put the Congress in the dock. BJP leaders claim that the Kamal Nath government is trying to appease a particular community. According to them, stopping the 13-year-old practice of singing 'Vande Mataram' at the State Secretariat is an insult of those who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of the nation. BJP President Amit Shah used the social media to assert that the banning of the song 'Vande Mataram' by the Congress government of Madhya Pradesh is like treason and an insult to the nation. 'Vande Mataram' is not just a song, it is the symbol of India's freedom movement and the inspiration for every Indian, Shah emphasised. Dragging Congress president Rahul Gandhi into this controversy, the BJP president has asked whether it was on his instructions that the singing of 'Vande Mataram' was stopped by the state Congress government? Trying to put a lid on this matter, Kamal Nath has said that 'Vande Mataram' is deeply rooted in every citizen’s heart and his government is going to take initiative to start it again in a different format. But the BJP is in an unrelenting mood. Meanwhile, former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced that this coming Monday, January 7, all the BJP MLAs will assemble and sing Vande Mataram at the Secretariat. The present controversy is the perfect recipe for a battle of wits between the BJP and the Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha polls this year. Right now, it is advantage BJP, which has already scored an early point by going on the offensive from the word go. The BJP President has been quick in putting the Congress in the dock, roping in Rahul Gandhi and accusing the state Congress government of turning Madhya Pradesh –the heart of India – into a centre of appeasement (to please a particular community). Congress steps to counter the BJP onslaught in the coming days will be viewed only as a face-saving strategy and the BJP will leave no stone unturned to take political mileage from this. Besides Ayodhya, Rafale, triple talaq, farmers’ distress, more and more contentious issues that polarise the voters on narrow lines have started sprouting up ahead of the elections. In the process, the vital agenda of development that should be at the centre of general public discourse remains on the back burner. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

In Madhya Pradesh, BJP and Congress battle it out over 'Vande Mataram'

Newly elected corporators of the BJP, BSP and SP came to blows in the House today when the national song, Vande Mataram, stopped playing due to a technical snag, Meerut Mayor Sunita Verma said.

The song was being played on a music system in the House for the first time, she said.

The civic body was meeting for the first time after the elections.

The corporators also raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Police had to be called in when some outsiders entered the House.

Verma, from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) always raises unimportant issues.

There was a ruckus last month too when Verma remained sitting while the Vande Mataram was being recited during her swearing-in ceremony.&nbsp;

Newly elected corporators of the BJP, BSP and SP came to blows in the House today when the national song, Vande Mataram, stopped playing due to a technical snag, Meerut Mayor Sunita Verma said

Newly elected corporators of the BJP, BSP and SP came to blows in the House today when the national song, Vande Mataram, stopped playing due to a technical snag, Meerut Mayor Sunita Verma said. The song was being played on a music system in the House for the first time, she said. The civic body was meeting for the first time after the elections. The corporators also raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Police had to be called in when some outsiders entered the House. Verma, from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) always raises unimportant issues. There was a ruckus last month too when Verma remained sitting while the Vande Mataram was being recited during her swearing-in ceremony.

Vande Mataram rocks civic body meet in Meerut

After a mayor in Uttar Pradesh ruled that singing of the national song, &#39;Vande Mataram&#39;, before local body meetings was not necessary, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday asked if not the motherland, should they salute Afzal Guru.

Wondering as to why some people refuse to sing &#39;Vande Mataram&#39;, the Vice President said the slogan meant salute to the motherland.

&quot;Vande Mataram mane maa tujhe salam. Kya samasya hai? Agar maa ko salam nahi karenge to kisko karenge, Afzal Guru ko karenge kya? (Vande Mataram means salute to mother. What is problem with it, if you don&#39;t salute your mother, who would you salute, Afzal Guru?),&quot; he asked while releasing a book on late VHP leader Ashok Singhal in New Delhi.

Afzal Guru was convicted and hanged for his role in the attack on the Parliament in December 2001.

Naidu further emphasized that Hinduism was &quot;our culture, our tradition&quot; adding that some people were trying to give a narrow meaning to it and attacking patriotism, nationalism.

&quot;I want to tell people Bharat Mata ki Jai is not just about one photo, it is about all 130 crore people living in this country irrespective of their caste, colour, creed, and religion. They all are Indians,&quot; Naidu said.

Kicking up a row, newly-elected Meerut mayor Sunita Verma, who was a Bahujan Samaj Party mayoral candidate, on Wednesday reversed an earlier order that had made singing of the national song mandatory before meetings of Meerut Municipal Corporation.

Verma, reportedly, said that as per the constitution of the municipal board, National Anthem &#39;Jan Gan Man&#39; would be sung before the meetings.

After a mayor in Uttar Pradesh ruled that singing of the national song, 'Vande Mataram', before local body meetings was not necessary, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday asked if not the motherland, should they salute Afzal Guru.

After a mayor in Uttar Pradesh ruled that singing of the national song, 'Vande Mataram', before local body meetings was not necessary, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday asked if not the motherland, should they salute Afzal Guru. Wondering as to why some people refuse to sing 'Vande Mataram', the Vice President said the slogan meant salute to the motherland. "Vande Mataram mane maa tujhe salam. Kya samasya hai? Agar maa ko salam nahi karenge to kisko karenge, Afzal Guru ko karenge kya? (Vande Mataram means salute to mother. What is problem with it, if you don't salute your mother, who would you salute, Afzal Guru?)," he asked while releasing a book on late VHP leader Ashok Singhal in New Delhi. Afzal Guru was convicted and hanged for his role in the attack on the Parliament in December 2001. Naidu further emphasized that Hinduism was "our culture, our tradition" adding that some people were trying to give a narrow meaning to it and attacking patriotism, nationalism. "I want to tell people Bharat Mata ki Jai is not just about one photo, it is about all 130 crore people living in this country irrespective of their caste, colour, creed, and religion. They all are Indians," Naidu said. Kicking up a row, newly-elected Meerut mayor Sunita Verma, who was a Bahujan Samaj Party mayoral candidate, on Wednesday reversed an earlier order that had made singing of the national song mandatory before meetings of Meerut Municipal Corporation. Verma, reportedly, said that as per the constitution of the municipal board, National Anthem 'Jan Gan Man' would be sung before the meetings.

If not mother, will you salute Afzal Guru? VP Naidu on 'Vande Mataram' row

Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has said that the nationalism debate around Vande Mataram and Jan Gan Man are irrelevant.

Speaking exclusively to WION&rsquo;s Kartikeya Sharma, Naqvi, Minister for&nbsp;Minority Affairs,&nbsp;also delves into the love jihad issue.

Here&rsquo;s the full transcript of the interview:

Q: What has the government done for various minorities in the country?

A: Our focus is on development with dignity and we are trying to focus on segments which remained untouched during UPA&rsquo;s tenure. We don&rsquo;t believe in appeasement and in the past minorities were exploited. If the total amount of money set aside for the minorities would have been spent properly then none of them would have been living below the poverty line. The funds got pilfered and brokers siphoned them off.

Q: Social vigilantism is an issue in India. Despite Prime Minister Modi&rsquo;s warning, it has not come down. Why?

A: I agree with you. But our focus is only on development. Gau Raksha activism is being done by people with nefarious design. But I assure you that no destructive agenda can dominate the developmental agenda of our government. These are isolated cases. These isolated cases too should not happen and that is why PM in no uncertain words have criticized them in past. These are criminal activities which are being described by some as communal activities. It is not correct.

Q: There is a raging debate on nationalism. Don&rsquo;t you think this debate ultimately ends up hurting the minorities as nationalism becomes a tool for political hectoring?

A: There are some people who think they are the custodians of nationalism and it is wrong. They think that they need to give certificate on nationalism. On the other hand, we have champions of secularism who believe that unless and until they don&rsquo;t certify people as secular the other cannot exist as one. These two extremes are not in the interest of the country. &nbsp;Then there are those who accuse people for being anti-national if they don&rsquo;t get up for Jan Gan Man or Vande Matram. No. If you sing or not sing Vande Matram it doesn&rsquo;t make you an anti-national. But if you insult these symbols purposely then it becomes a different case all together. These are irrelevant debates.

Q: How did you built consensus on Haj reforms?

A: One lakh seventy thousand people from India go to Haj every year. Supreme Court has already directed the government to frame new Haj policy for 2018. We constituted a committee and consultations took place which ended up in recommendations. We ended the ban of women not been able to perform alone. Now we have allowed group of four women to go for Haj and in future we will also allow single women to go and perform Haj. Time has changed. As far as Haj subsidy is concerned, it will be abolished by 2018. Haj subsidy never benefited the pilgrims. It went to the Air India.

Q: Your government has taken strong positions on certain contentious issues like triple talaq. Does it pave the way for a debate on Uniform Civil Code of Law?

A: We are committed towards Uniform Civil Code of Law. It is incumbent on every government to build consensus for common civil code. It requires consultation and consensus. There has to be broad agreement on this matter.&nbsp;

Q: Most of the times reforms have taken place because of enlightened decisions and not consensus?

A: Understand that we are living in a democracy. If there is no democracy then reforms can take place any time. We will have to build consensus and it will not be forced. Law Commission is already seized of the matter.

Q: Since when inter-faith marriages have become cause of national security? You also have an inter-faith marriage? How can every case of inter-faith marriage be love jihad?

A: I agree with you. Yes, I have an inter-faith marriage. I don&rsquo;t know where this word of love or hate jihad has come from. All inter-faith marriages are not love jihad. But also understand that no country can afford forceful conversion. I think if there is a conspiracy then it should be investigated and exposed.&nbsp;

Q: Lot of cases of radicalisation has come to light. Young men and women are joining ISIS. What is your department doing to de-radicalise such people?

A: These are isolated incidents. al-Qaeda could not succeed in India and in the same way ISIS has not been able to succeed. Yes, there are cases but in a larger perspective it isn&rsquo;t like Europe. Indian Muslims are strongly nationalistic. Our security agencies are doing the job but essentially Indians stay away from radical thoughts. If that was the case then Hindu Maha Sabha or Muslim League would have been running the government.

Q: Talks on Ayodhya are on. Should there be consensus on Ayodhya?

A: I think consensus is an ideal solution. We welcome the steps taken by the civil society and we welcome it.

Q: Response towards Dineshwar Sharma has been lukewarm. He is the interlocutor for Kashmir. Is there any hope?

A: I don&rsquo;t agree (with this). I&rsquo;m very much confident. People of Kashmir are patriotic. Time to time fanatic forces have been defeated by them. Only two districts of Jammu and Kashmir are affected. Ladakh and Jammu are not affected.

Q: How do you explain the killing of political workers? Do terrorists have sanctuaries in the Valley?

A: Yes, there are hostile forces, but killing will not benefit anyone. People don&rsquo;t appreciate these kinds of things.

Q: There is petition in the court that Hindus in some states should be given minority status...

A: Government works within the framework of the Constitution. It is not logically correct or possible. Minorities are defined in the Constitution.

Q: You were accused of politicising terror when you did the press conference on a hospital demanding an explanation from Ahmad Patel. What do you have to say about that?

A: We didn&rsquo;t politicise terrorism. It is our duty to ask questions. Certain linkages came out in public domain and Congress was asked to explain it. We did the right thing.

Q: Some people said that BJP is doing it to deflect attention from demonetisation and GST as they generated bad publicity?

A:&nbsp;The performance of the government has been good. Reform, perform and transform is the mantra of BJP. I think we have done a good job and in the long run it will have a positive impact.

Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has said that the nationalism debate around Vande Mataram and Jan Gan Man are irrelevant.

Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has said that the nationalism debate around Vande Mataram and Jan Gan Man are irrelevant. Speaking exclusively to WION’s Kartikeya Sharma, Naqvi, Minister for Minority Affairs, also delves into the love jihad issue. Here’s the full transcript of the interview: Q: What has the government done for various minorities in the country? A: Our focus is on development with dignity and we are trying to focus on segments which remained untouched during UPA’s tenure. We don’t believe in appeasement and in the past minorities were exploited. If the total amount of money set aside for the minorities would have been spent properly then none of them would have been living below the poverty line. The funds got pilfered and brokers siphoned them off. Q: Social vigilantism is an issue in India. Despite Prime Minister Modi’s warning, it has not come down. Why? A: I agree with you. But our focus is only on development. Gau Raksha activism is being done by people with nefarious design. But I assure you that no destructive agenda can dominate the developmental agenda of our government. These are isolated cases. These isolated cases too should not happen and that is why PM in no uncertain words have criticized them in past. These are criminal activities which are being described by some as communal activities. It is not correct. Q: There is a raging debate on nationalism. Don’t you think this debate ultimately ends up hurting the minorities as nationalism becomes a tool for political hectoring? A: There are some people who think they are the custodians of nationalism and it is wrong. They think that they need to give certificate on nationalism. On the other hand, we have champions of secularism who believe that unless and until they don’t certify people as secular the other cannot exist as one. These two extremes are not in the interest of the country. Then there are those who accuse people for being anti-national if they don’t get up for Jan Gan Man or Vande Matram. No. If you sing or not sing Vande Matram it doesn’t make you an anti-national. But if you insult these symbols purposely then it becomes a different case all together. These are irrelevant debates. Q: How did you built consensus on Haj reforms? A: One lakh seventy thousand people from India go to Haj every year. Supreme Court has already directed the government to frame new Haj policy for 2018. We constituted a committee and consultations took place which ended up in recommendations. We ended the ban of women not been able to perform alone. Now we have allowed group of four women to go for Haj and in future we will also allow single women to go and perform Haj. Time has changed. As far as Haj subsidy is concerned, it will be abolished by 2018. Haj subsidy never benefited the pilgrims. It went to the Air India. Q: Your government has taken strong positions on certain contentious issues like triple talaq. Does it pave the way for a debate on Uniform Civil Code of Law? A: We are committed towards Uniform Civil Code of Law. It is incumbent on every government to build consensus for common civil code. It requires consultation and consensus. There has to be broad agreement on this matter. Q: Most of the times reforms have taken place because of enlightened decisions and not consensus? A: Understand that we are living in a democracy. If there is no democracy then reforms can take place any time. We will have to build consensus and it will not be forced. Law Commission is already seized of the matter. Q: Since when inter-faith marriages have become cause of national security? You also have an inter-faith marriage? How can every case of inter-faith marriage be love jihad? A: I agree with you. Yes, I have an inter-faith marriage. I don’t know where this word of love or hate jihad has come from. All inter-faith marriages are not love jihad. But also understand that no country can afford forceful conversion. I think if there is a conspiracy then it should be investigated and exposed. Q: Lot of cases of radicalisation has come to light. Young men and women are joining ISIS. What is your department doing to de-radicalise such people? A: These are isolated incidents. al-Qaeda could not succeed in India and in the same way ISIS has not been able to succeed. Yes, there are cases but in a larger perspective it isn’t like Europe. Indian Muslims are strongly nationalistic. Our security agencies are doing the job but essentially Indians stay away from radical thoughts. If that was the case then Hindu Maha Sabha or Muslim League would have been running the government. Q: Talks on Ayodhya are on. Should there be consensus on Ayodhya? A: I think consensus is an ideal solution. We welcome the steps taken by the civil society and we welcome it. Q: Response towards Dineshwar Sharma has been lukewarm. He is the interlocutor for Kashmir. Is there any hope? A: I don’t agree (with this). I’m very much confident. People of Kashmir are patriotic. Time to time fanatic forces have been defeated by them. Only two districts of Jammu and Kashmir are affected. Ladakh and Jammu are not affected. Q: How do you explain the killing of political workers? Do terrorists have sanctuaries in the Valley? A: Yes, there are hostile forces, but killing will not benefit anyone. People don’t appreciate these kinds of things. Q: There is petition in the court that Hindus in some states should be given minority status... A: Government works within the framework of the Constitution. It is not logically correct or possible. Minorities are defined in the Constitution. Q: You were accused of politicising terror when you did the press conference on a hospital demanding an explanation from Ahmad Patel. What do you have to say about that? A: We didn’t politicise terrorism. It is our duty to ask questions. Certain linkages came out in public domain and Congress was asked to explain it. We did the right thing. Q: Some people said that BJP is doing it to deflect attention from demonetisation and GST as they generated bad publicity? A: The performance of the government has been good. Reform, perform and transform is the mantra of BJP. I think we have done a good job and in the long run it will have a positive impact.

All inter-faith marriages aren't love jihad: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi to WION

A week after the mayor of Meerut asked all corporators to either sing Vande Mataram or leave the country, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Councillors at the Allahabad Nagar Nigam on Thursday demanded a new rule, under which the house proceedings would start with the national song Vande Matram and end with the national anthem Jana Gana Mana.

Some Councillors objected to the proposal that led to ruckus and disruption in the House.

Councillors in the opposition alleged that BJP Councillors are raising this demand because of the saffron party coming to power.

Earlier in the month, a similar row had broken out, wherein a group of Muslim Councilors had left the Meerut Municipal Corporation House as soon as other members started singing Vande Mataram.

A proposal was also put forth by Meerut Mayor Harikant Ahluwalia of the BJP, making it clear that any member opposing Vande Mataram will not be welcomed in the House.

He asked all corporators to either sing Vande Mataram or leave the country.&nbsp;

(ANI)

BJP councillors want Nagar Nigam proceedings to start with the singing of Vande Mataram, end with Jana Gana Mana

A week after the mayor of Meerut asked all corporators to either sing Vande Mataram or leave the country, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Councillors at the Allahabad Nagar Nigam on Thursday demanded a new rule, under which the house proceedings would start with the national song Vande Matram and end with the national anthem Jana Gana Mana. Some Councillors objected to the proposal that led to ruckus and disruption in the House. Councillors in the opposition alleged that BJP Councillors are raising this demand because of the saffron party coming to power. Earlier in the month, a similar row had broken out, wherein a group of Muslim Councilors had left the Meerut Municipal Corporation House as soon as other members started singing Vande Mataram. A proposal was also put forth by Meerut Mayor Harikant Ahluwalia of the BJP, making it clear that any member opposing Vande Mataram will not be welcomed in the House. He asked all corporators to either sing Vande Mataram or leave the country. (ANI)

After Meerut, Vande Mataram row now brews in Allahabad

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