A fresh political controversy has erupted over the rendition of Vande Mataram, with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor questioning the necessity of playing all
five verses of the national song at the beginning and end of official functions. His remarks come amid an ongoing dispute in Kerala over the protocol surrounding the singing of Vande Mataram at government and Assembly-related events. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Tharoor said that he had no objection to the national song itself but objected to what he described as an attempt to make the full version mandatory at every official programme. “Vande Mataram is the national song and we stand up in respect when it is sung. The first verse, or the first couple of verses, is something most people know by heart,” he said.
The Congress Working Committee member argued that the convention followed for decades was different. According to him, Vande Mataram was traditionally rendered once at the start of an event, while the national anthem was played separately, often at the end.
“Now they want all five verses to be sung at the beginning of every event and again at the end. I think that is an unnecessary imposition,” he said.
BJP Hits Back At Tharoor
Tharoor's comments have drawn a sharp response from the BJP. Party leader Amit Malviya cited Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines and rejected the Congress MP's position. Malviya maintained that the rules governing the rendition of Vande Mataram at official functions are clear and that the “full version is not optional” wherever prescribed protocol applies. The BJP also argued that national observances cannot be treated as a matter of convenience or personal preference.
Kerala Row Spills Over
The row has its roots in a recent controversy in Kerala, where differing interpretations reportedly emerged between the state government and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on whether the full rendition of the national song is mandatory.
Referring to the dispute, Tharoor said, “It may ultimately have to be adjudicated because there is no law passed by Parliament requiring this. It is more a matter of convention.”
Seeking to clarify his position, Tharoor said, “We all respect Vande Mataram. I can happily sing it for you.”
Recalling a book launch attended by Vice President C P Radhakrishnan in New Delhi, he said the full song was played at both the beginning and end of the programme. “For the audience, standing through a relatively unfamiliar and lengthy song twice became an issue,” he said.
Calling the controversy “unfortunate”, Tharoor expressed hope that it would be resolved amicably. “I can understand singing it once during ceremonial occasions involving the president, vice president or prime minister. But singing the entire song twice during a short programme is difficult to understand. I don’t see the rationale for it, and it is not particularly efficient either,” he said.
