Vande Mataram: Karnataka Govt Limits State Events to First 2 Stanzas, Defies Centre Rule
The Congress-led Karnataka government has issued an order directing that only the first two stanzas of the national song, Vande Mataram, be rendered at most state government events.
The Congress-led Karnataka government has issued an order directing that only the first two stanzas of the national song, Vande Mataram, be rendered at most state government events. The rule makes an exception for functions attended by high-level dignitaries-specifically the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, or State Governor-where all six stanzas will continue to be sung.
Karnataka Government Cites Need for Protocol and Uniformity
According to state officials, the decision followed a Cabinet review regarding the playing and singing of Vande Mataram during public and official functions across Karnataka.
The state government stated that the primary objective of the directive is to establish administrative uniformity, maintain official dignity, and streamline ceremony duration based on the profile of the event. The preamble to the order acknowledged the song's key historical role in fostering national unity and patriotism during India’s independence movement. Karnataka: Two Stanzas of Vande Mataram to Be Recited at State Events.
Divergence from Union Ministry Guidelines
The directive places Karnataka at variance with official guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on February 11, 2026. The Centre’s protocol stipulates that the full six-stanza version of Vande Mataram—which spans approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds—should be rendered at designated state and civilian functions, including the Padma Awards and ceremonial receptions for the President.
The central guidelines were introduced as part of nationwide commemorations marking 150 years since Bankim Chandra Chatterji composed the national song in 1875.
Political Debate Over the National Song
The state order adds fuel to an ongoing national debate between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress over the performance of Vande Mataram. “Full Version of Vande Mataram Sits Uneasily with Pluralist Ethos”: Says KC Venugopal.
On August 19, the Congress Working Committee reaffirmed a 1937 resolution committing to sing only the first two stanzas at party functions, citing a desire to preserve communal harmony and pluralist values. In response, the BJP has accused Congress leadership of showing disrespect toward freedom fighters and the original, complete version of the national song.
With Karnataka formalizing the two-stanza rule for state functions, the dispute has shifted from political discourse into a direct policy disagreement between the state administration and central government guidelines.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 10, 2026 10:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).