Shashi Tharoor clarifies Congress's 'Vande Mataram' stance amid BJP row

Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the singing of 'Vande Mataram,' India's national song, clarifying the party's long-standing position. Tharoor stated that the Congress adheres to a resolution adopted in 1937, which dictates the singing of only one stanza of the national anthem and two verses of 'Vande Mataram' at party events.

"I think the position is very clear that the Congress is following the existing practice when it comes to Congress party functions," Tharoor was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. He added that at national or government functions, the party would stand for the entire rendition, depending on what is being played. However, he emphasized that the party's internal practice remains unchanged since 1937.

This statement comes in the wake of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) passing a 10-point resolution to promote the national song and raise awareness about its history and significance. The BJP resolution condemned the Congress Working Committee's decision to re-adopt its 1937 stance, viewing it as an attempt to subject the national song to "communal pressure, political appeasement or narrow vote-bank considerations."

The BJP considers 'Vande Mataram' the National Song of Bharat, an expression of reverence for Bharat Mata, and a symbol of the freedom struggle and national consciousness. Their resolution aims to uphold the song's honor and national status, referencing a 1950 pronouncement by the Constituent Assembly and a 2026 amendment that grants it statutory protection equivalent to the national anthem.

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I think the position is very clear that the Congress is following the existing practice when it comes to Congress party functions. I think if there is a national or government function, we will all stand up for the whole for the entire thing. It depends on what is being played. But in our party, our position is that since 1937, we've been playing only one stanza of the national anthem and two verses of Vande Mataram. And that will remain our existing position.