The Karnataka government, led by the Congress party, has mandated that only the initial two stanzas of the National Song, Vande Mataram, will be performed at most state government functions. This decision applies to events not attended by the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, or Governor, who will be afforded the honour of presenting all six stanzas of the song. This directive follows a resolution made by the Karnataka Cabinet regarding the singing and playing of Vande Mataram during official events.

The government has articulated that this decision seeks to ensure uniformity, dignity, and suitability in the presentation of the National Song, which will vary in accordance with the significance of the occasion. This policy emerges amid a tense political landscape, specifically between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress party, concerning the performance of Vande Mataram at varied functions.

On the central government’s end, guidelines released by the Union Home Ministry on February 11, 2026, stipulate the circumstances under which Vande Mataram should be sung or played during state functions. According to these guidelines, the full six-stanza version, which lasts approximately three minutes and ten seconds, is to be reserved for significant occasions at the state level.

Centre’s Protocol for Vande Mataram

The Union Home Ministry’s guidelines dictate that Vande Mataram is to be performed during key events such as civilian awards ceremonies, including the Padma Awards, and during events attended by the President, including arrivals and departures. These instructions mark the celebration of 150 years of Vande Mataram, which has been a crucial element in promoting nationalism throughout India’s history.

The Karnataka government’s preamble acknowledges the cultural and historical significance of Vande Mataram, noting its role in fostering patriotism and unity during the Indian National Movement. The directive explicitly states that only the first two stanzas are to be used in state-level programmes, aligning with the guidelines set forth by the Union Home Ministry concerning the appropriate performance of Vande Mataram at public functions.

The governing body asserts that this decision reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining the decorum and honour associated with the National Song during formal state gatherings.

Political Divisions Over National Song’s Performance

The recent directive from the Karnataka government is set against a backdrop of a political conflict between the Congress and BJP regarding the performance of the entire version of Vande Mataram. The Congress Working Committee, on August 19, reaffirmed its resolution from 1937, which mandates the singing of only the initial two stanzas at party events. This reaffirmation occurred after criticism from the BJP, which alleged that Congress leaders were disrespecting Vande Mataram by not performing the comprehensive version.

Following the announcement, the BJP reiterated accusations of an anti-national sentiment within the Congress, suggesting that their position undermines the sacrifices made by freedom fighters. Congress leader K C Venugopal articulated that reciting the full version is inconsistent with India’s multi-religious identity, emphasising a commitment to communal harmony. In contrast, the BJP has maintained its stance in favour of preserving the original version of Vande Mataram.

This controversy has also illuminated fissures within the opposition coalition. Leaders from the National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir, including Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, supported the performance of all six stanzas at events, adhering to the Centre’s guidelines. Furthermore, the central government is considering legislation that would enforce penalties for any perceived disrespect to Vande Mataram, placing it on par with the national anthem in terms of legal protections.

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