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Politics
Karnataka CM Shivakumar Upholds Congress Decision to Drop Full Vande Mataram in State Events
✍️ India Today
🗓 26 Aug 2026, 09:19 PM
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Chief Minister Shivakumar reaffirmed the Congress-led government's decision to stop playing the complete version of "Vande Mataram" at official functions in Karnataka.
Bengaluru, Karnataka – Chief Minister Shivakumar reiterated the state government's stance, aligning with the Congress party, that the full rendition of the national song "Vande Mataram" will no longer be played at official Karnataka events. The announcement was made during a press briefing held at the state secretariat on Thursday.
The move follows a long‑standing debate within the Congress about the suitability of the full version, which contains verses some consider religiously charged. Party leaders have previously advocated for using only the first two verses, arguing that it respects the secular fabric of the nation while still honoring the patriotic sentiment.
Opposition parties and cultural groups have responded with mixed reactions. While some state legislators welcomed the decision as a step toward inclusivity, others warned that altering a historic anthem could set a precedent for further changes to national symbols. The administration said it will issue new guidelines to event organizers within the next week.
The CM emphasized that the change will apply to all government‑sponsored ceremonies, school functions and public gatherings, and that the short version will continue to be used to preserve the song's spirit without the contested verses.
The move follows a long‑standing debate within the Congress about the suitability of the full version, which contains verses some consider religiously charged. Party leaders have previously advocated for using only the first two verses, arguing that it respects the secular fabric of the nation while still honoring the patriotic sentiment.
Opposition parties and cultural groups have responded with mixed reactions. While some state legislators welcomed the decision as a step toward inclusivity, others warned that altering a historic anthem could set a precedent for further changes to national symbols. The administration said it will issue new guidelines to event organizers within the next week.
The CM emphasized that the change will apply to all government‑sponsored ceremonies, school functions and public gatherings, and that the short version will continue to be used to preserve the song's spirit without the contested verses.