New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has sharply criticised the Congress Working Committee’s decision to sing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at party events, calling the move “extremely regrettable” and warning that it raises serious constitutional and patriotic concerns.
In a statement shared on social media, Singh said Parliament is the supreme institution under the Constitution, and laws passed by it are binding on every citizen. He argued that refusing to honour the national song not only casts doubt on a person’s commitment to constitutional values but also places a question mark on their patriotism.
The minister also targeted the Congress for citing its 1937 resolution to justify the decision. He claimed the historical resolution reflected the party’s accommodation of the Muslim League’s demands and said its consequences were later witnessed in the form of Partition. According to Singh, compromising with radical elements has repeatedly harmed the nation and remains a dangerous political path.
Describing the Congress decision as “unconstitutional and reprehensible,” Singh said it could create a serious political crisis in the future. He further alleged that by opposing Vande Mataram, the Congress had exposed what he called its “foolish and dangerous intentions.”
The controversy erupted after the Congress Working Committee resolved that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram would be rendered during official party functions, citing the party’s 1937 position on the national song.
The issue gained momentum following Independence Day celebrations on August 15, when the BJP accused Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi of talking while Vande Mataram was being sung. The BJP subsequently demanded a public apology, further escalating the political confrontation over the national song.
