📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Krishna Chaitanya Velaga
Politics
Karnataka Orders Two Stanzas of Vande Mataram at Govt Events, Exempts President, Governor
✍️ bhaskarenglish.in
🗓 10 Sep 2026, 09:18 PM
👁 33
The Karnataka cabinet has directed that two verses of the national song Vande Mataram be played at all state‑run functions, except those attended by the President or the Governor.
The state cabinet in Bengaluru approved a directive that two stanzas of Vande Mataram will be played at every official event organised by the Karnataka government. The order, issued by the chief minister's office, aims to reinforce national sentiment during public ceremonies.
The directive specifically exempts functions where the President of India or the Governor of Karnataka is present, allowing those events to follow their own protocol for national symbols.
The move comes after the opposition Congress party raised concerns earlier this month about the mandatory playing of the song at all gatherings. While Congress argued for a more flexible approach, the ruling party maintained that the decision reflects a broader nationalistic agenda.
Implementation is expected to begin from the first week of the upcoming fiscal quarter, with departmental heads instructed to ensure compliance across ministries and local bodies.
The directive specifically exempts functions where the President of India or the Governor of Karnataka is present, allowing those events to follow their own protocol for national symbols.
The move comes after the opposition Congress party raised concerns earlier this month about the mandatory playing of the song at all gatherings. While Congress argued for a more flexible approach, the ruling party maintained that the decision reflects a broader nationalistic agenda.
Implementation is expected to begin from the first week of the upcoming fiscal quarter, with departmental heads instructed to ensure compliance across ministries and local bodies.