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Politics
Congress to Sing Only Two Verses of Vande Mataram, Repeats 1937 Decision
✍️ Amar Ujala
🗓 20 Aug 2026, 11:40 AM
👁 5
The Indian National Congress has announced it will perform only the first two verses of Vande Mataram, echoing a 1937 policy. The decision follows remarks by Mani Shankar Aiyar that the government is anti‑Muslim.
The Indian National Congress has reaffirmed its 1937 stance by deciding to sing only the first two verses of the national song Vande Mataram during official functions. The move, announced by party leaders, is intended to sidestep the controversial third verse, which has been a point of contention in recent years.
The decision follows comments by Congress MP Mani Shankar Aiyar, who told the government that its policies are anti‑Muslim. Aiyar’s remarks have sparked debate within the party and among political observers.
Party officials say the two‑verse rendition will maintain the patriotic spirit while avoiding political disputes. Critics argue that the move limits the song’s full patriotic expression.
The announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Congress’s stance on communal harmony and its approach to national symbols.
Observers note that the party’s choice reflects a broader trend of revisiting historical positions to align with contemporary political dynamics.
The decision follows comments by Congress MP Mani Shankar Aiyar, who told the government that its policies are anti‑Muslim. Aiyar’s remarks have sparked debate within the party and among political observers.
Party officials say the two‑verse rendition will maintain the patriotic spirit while avoiding political disputes. Critics argue that the move limits the song’s full patriotic expression.
The announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Congress’s stance on communal harmony and its approach to national symbols.
Observers note that the party’s choice reflects a broader trend of revisiting historical positions to align with contemporary political dynamics.