The Indian National Congress Working Committee has decided that only the first two verses of ‘Vande Mataram’ will be sung at the party’s official events. The Congress cited the 1937 resolution to explain that prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore supported singing only the first two stanzas during public functions. The Supreme Court had ruled in the case against Bijo Emmanuel that singing the national anthem is not mandatory, standing respectfully is sufficient, and the right to remain silent is constitutionally protected. Kathmandu, 5 Bhadra.
The Indian National Congress Working Committee arrived at this decision in response to controversies surrounding the singing of the national song during Independence Day celebrations and subsequent disagreements during an event held in Goa. These disputes also drew criticism from the opposition. Referring to the 1937 resolution, the Congress clarified that the leading figures of the independence movement, including Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore, had supported this approach.
The remaining verses of ‘Vande Mataram’ include references to Hindu deities such as Durga, Saraswati, and Lakshmi. This controversy arose after the parliament granted legal protection to ‘Vande Mataram.’ Rabindranath Tagore played a significant role in popularizing the song, taking it out of obscurity. He first publicly sang it during the 1896 Congress session. Historian Mridula Mukherjee noted, “Tagore wrote a letter to Jawaharlal Nehru advising him to study the entire ‘Vande Mataram’ poem by Bankim Chandra with appropriate context and to be mindful of Muslim sentiments.”
Justice Chandru wrote, “The Central Working Committee (CWC) has seriously considered issues concerning ‘Vande Mataram.’ The song carries historical significance and inspired deep enthusiasm and strong emotions during the freedom struggle, securing its special place in the nationalist movement.” Justice Chandru further added, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has indirectly targeted the CWC’s decision, which included leaders like Sardar Patel. Has the Prime Minister reflected on this? In doing so, he has questioned the decisions of all these national leaders.”
