New Delhi, Delhi
The political dispute between the Congress and the BJP over the full rendition of Vande Mataram has intensified. The Congress has made it clear that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram will be sung at its official events. The Congress Working Committee has reiterated this position based on a resolution adopted by the party in 1937.
Congress Organisation General Secretary K.C. Venugopal said after the Working Committee meeting that the party would follow the resolution adopted by the Congress Working Committee in 1937. According to him, at the time, after discussions among Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and other prominent leaders, the singing of the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram was accepted.
The controversy intensified after a Congress programme held on August 15, where all the stanzas of Vande Mataram were reportedly sung. BJP leaders subsequently questioned the Congress’s position and also made political remarks concerning Sonia Gandhi. The Congress has now clarified that in future official party programmes, only the first two stanzas will be sung in accordance with the 1937 resolution.
Four-Hour Congress Working Committee Meeting
The nearly four-hour Congress Working Committee meeting also discussed several other political and national issues. The party has decided to launch a nationwide campaign on issues including paper leaks, student protests and employment.
The Congress said it would organise a programme called ‘Students’ Voice’ in around 800 cities and towns across the country. The party claims that young people are increasingly dissatisfied with the examination system, paper leaks and employment opportunities, and that Congress will raise these issues at the national level.
Rahul Gandhi also raised the issue of growing discontent among young people during the meeting. He targeted the central government over paper leaks, declining employment opportunities and economic policies. Congress leaders claimed that support for the party is increasing among young voters.
Congress Also Opposes Delimitation
The Congress Working Committee also clarified its position on delimitation. The party said there is no need to increase the existing 543 Lok Sabha seats for the next 25 years. Congress has demanded that women’s reservation be implemented based on the existing number of seats.
The party also raised concerns among vehicle owners regarding E20 fuel and its potential economic impact. Congress demanded that the government find an immediate solution to the issue.
Campaign Announced Over Ram Temple Donation Issue
Congress has also decided to make allegations of alleged theft and irregularities involving donations related to the Shri Ram Temple a part of its political campaign. The party said protests and awareness campaigns would be organised from the block level to the state level over the issue.
Congress alleged that those who use religious sentiments for political purposes should answer questions surrounding the matter.
BJP Hits Back at Congress Over Vande Mataram
The BJP has strongly reacted to the Congress’s decision. BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi criticised the Congress Working Committee’s resolution and alleged that the party was placing its political resolution above the country and the Constitution.
The BJP maintains that Vande Mataram is associated with national sentiment and respect, and argues that the Congress’s decision to restrict the singing to only two stanzas reflects its political approach.
The Congress, meanwhile, is defending its position by linking it to historical tradition and the 1937 resolution. With both parties taking opposing positions, the controversy over Vande Mataram could acquire further political significance in the coming days.
