Union Home Minister Amit Shah has strongly condemned the Congress Party’s recent decision to sing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram, labelling it as a move that revives the party’s historical “extreme policy of appeasement.” This statement follows a resolution taken by the Congress Working Committee (CWC) on August 20, 2026, which aligns with the party’s own resolution from 1936-37.

In a statement to ANI, Shah described the resolution as a disappointing and anti-national decision, arguing that it represents a historical mistake similar to those that contributed to India’s partition. He reminded the public of the historical context surrounding the Congress’s actions in 1937, which he claims laid the groundwork for the division of the country along communal lines.

Shah emphasised that the current government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sought to rectify what he calls a historical injustice by reinstating the full recitation of Vande Mataram at official events. He pointed out that the Modi government has given legal backing to this practice, contrasting it with what he sees as Congress’s neglect of this national symbol.

Political Context and Historical Implications

Shah further accused the Congress Party of promoting divisive politics, asserting that their decision to limit the recitation of Vande Mataram disrespects not just the song itself, but also the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters who championed it. He called upon the populace to reject the Congress’s stance, indicating that the politics of appeasement would no longer be tolerated in modern India.

Highlighting the significance of Vande Mataram, Shah indicated that its full rendition is crucial for fostering national unity, particularly in light of its centenary celebrations. He asserted that by adopting the Congress’s old resolution, the party continues to undermine attempts at national integration.

This controversy has emerged amid accusations from the BJP that Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and parliamentary chairperson Sonia Gandhi, displayed disrespect during the national song’s rendition on Independence Day. The BJP has demanded a public apology from the Congress for these alleged actions.

Congress Party’s Response

In response to Shah’s remarks, the Congress Party has defended its decision vigorously. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge has publicly questioned the contribution of the BJP and its affiliates to India’s freedom struggle, challenging the party to identify any of its members who actively participated in the independence movement.

During a press briefing, Kharge remarked on the generational gap in political experience, pointing out that he had been an MLA before Amit Shah was born. He accused the BJP of attempting to undermine Congress’s legacy and labelled them as “anti-India,” seeking to reaffirm the party’s historical importance in the context of India’s independence.

The CWC’s decision to adopt only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram is rooted in its historical precedence set in 1937. Congress MP KC Venugopal reiterated that the party’s stance remains aligned with the decisions made by prominent leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at that time.

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