‘Vande Mataram’ Mix-Up at Thane Event: Lata Mangeshkar Version Played, Eknath Shinde Apologises (Videos)

A government event in Maharashtra's Thane witnessed an unusual mix-up when a Bollywood version of ‘Vande Mataram’ sung by Lata Mangeshkar was played instead of the original national song. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who was present at the programme, apologised for the mistake and said such errors should not occur during events connected with patriotism.

The incident took place during the concluding ceremony of a Transport Department campaign aimed at teaching Marathi to non-Marathi speakers. Ministers Uday Samant and Pratap Sarnaik were also present. The audience stood for approximately four minutes while the incorrect version was played. The national anthem and Maharashtra’s state song were played after the incident. 'File a Case Instead of Issuing Statements': Prashant Kishor's Sharp Take on BJP's Vande Mataram Row (Video).

Lata Mangeshkar Version of Vande Mataram Played at Thane Event Attended by Eknath Shinde 

Thane, Maharashtra: A Bollywood version of ‘Vande Mataram’ song was played instead of ‘Vande Mataram’ during a Transport Department programme attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Ministers Uday Samant and Pratap Sarnaik were also present. The incident took place… pic.twitter.com/4kxTXVTgre

— IANS (@ians_india) August 17, 2026

Eknath Shinde Apologises 

A major protocol blunder occurred during an official program attended by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Mumbai after an album track was inadvertently played over the public address system instead of the National Song, Vande Mataram. Taking note of the serious… pic.twitter.com/cKc35UFejs

— Pune Mirror (@ThePuneMirror) August 18, 2026

What Happened At The Thane Event?

The event in Thane was organised as the concluding ceremony of a campaign focused on teaching Marathi to non-Marathi speakers. During the programme, the Lata Mangeshkar version of ‘Vande Mataram’ was played instead of the original ‘Vande Mataram’ composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.

The entire audience stood in silence for approximately four minutes as the wrong version was played. Shinde, who attended the event, apologised for the error. He stated that such mistakes should not occur in programs related to the national anthem or patriotism, and that special caution is needed during the event. The national anthem and Maharashtra’s state song were played after the incident. BJP Leaders Lodge Complaint Against Sonia Gandhi Following Vande Mataram Recitation Controversy.

Ministers Uday Samant, Pratap Sarnaik Were Present

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attended the programme along with ministers Uday Samant and Pratap Sarnaik. The event was linked to the Transport Department's Marathi-language campaign, under which non-Marathi speakers were encouraged to learn the language.

The song mix-up occurred during the concluding ceremony, drawing attention to the need for greater care during government programmes involving national and state songs.

Amit Shah Targets Sonia Gandhi Over ‘Vande Mataram’ Row

The Thane incident comes amid a separate political controversy over ‘Vande Mataram’. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday alleged that Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi objected to the singing of complete version of 'Vande Mataram' at party's headquarters in New Delhi on August 15, saying the incident shows the 'shamelessness' of the grand old party.

Speaking at a rally in Rajasthan's Chittorgarh, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said Sonia and the Congress have insulted the national song on Independence Day, and they should apologise to the entire country. He said the Congress forgot about 'Vande Mataram' because of its greed for votes.

"Look at their (Congress') shamelessness. The anthem Vande Mataram was being sung at the Congress Party headquarters. During the anthem, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi told the Congress President to stop singing," Shah said.

"We all just kept watching on TV... Sonia ji, 140 crore people are watching you. This sin you have committed will never be forgiven by the people of this country. How can anyone even dream of leaving the anthem Vande Mataram incomplete? The people of Congress should feel ashamed," he added.

Shah's remarks were made in the context of the separate Congress headquarters incident and are not connected to the Thane event's song mix-up.

History And Significance Of ‘Vande Mataram’

‘Vande Mataram’ was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. The national song consists of six stanzas and is written in a blend of Sanskrit and Bengali. It was first sung publicly in Calcutta in 1896 and originally appeared in Bankim Chandra's celebrated novel Anandamath.

Over the decades, the song has become one of the most enduring symbols of India's freedom movement and national identity. The original composition is distinct from later musical and film versions that have been recorded and performed by various artists, including Lata Mangeshkar.

Shinde Calls For Caution At Official Events

The Thane incident prompted an immediate apology from Shinde, who said greater care should be taken during programmes involving the national anthem or patriotic songs.

The episode also highlights the importance of verifying recorded versions before they are played at official government functions, particularly when the programme involves national or state symbols.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 18, 2026 05:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).