The Karnataka government has mandated that only the first two stanzas of the national song 'Vande Mataram' be performed at state-organised public programmes and official ceremonies. According to an official order issued in the name of the Governor of Karnataka, the directive is aimed at establishing uniformity, dignity, and standard protocol during government functions across the state.
The government order explicitly provides an exception for major official ceremonies attended by top constitutional dignitaries—specifically the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, or Governor—where prescribed national protocols apply. The decision follows a recent cabinet resolution on the rendition of the song at official functions. The move aligns with the historic position adopted by the Congress party in 1937, which recommended singing the first two stanzas written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay to preserve its universal civic appeal.
However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). State BJP leaders accused the ruling administration of compromising national pride and engaging in appeasement politics, sparking a political debate across the state regarding the singing protocols of national symbols.
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