Prime Minister Narendra Modi posed for a group photograph with newly appointed national office-bearers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the party’s headquarters in New Delhi on August 22. This event followed a significant meeting where a resolution was passed regarding the honour and historical legacy of the National Song, ‘Vande Mataram’.

During his visit, PM Modi announced the launch of a nationwide campaign aimed at increasing awareness of the history and significance of ‘Vande Mataram’. This initiative is set to inform citizens about the song’s integral role in India’s freedom struggle and its continuing relevance in national consciousness.

The party’s resolution criticises the Congress Working Committee for re-adopting a 1937 resolution that restricts ‘Vande Mataram’ to its first two stanzas during Congress events. BJP officials emphasised that they regard ‘Vande Mataram’ as an emblem of reverence for Bharat Mata and an enduring symbol of India’s national identity.

BJP’s Stance on ‘Vande Mataram’

The BJP resolution firmly rejects the Congress’s limitation on ‘Vande Mataram’ and commits to safeguarding the honour and historical integrity of its complete six-stanza version. This includes reaffirming the declarations made by the 1950 Constituent Assembly and subsequent legislation passed in 2026, which treat ‘Vande Mataram’ equally alongside ‘Jana Gana Mana’.

According to the BJP, the decisions made by the Congress Working Committee do not supersede the provisions set forth in the Constitution or Parliamentary legislation. The resolution stressed that historical political compromises, such as those from 1937, cannot negate the constitutional decisions made later.

The party outlined plans for comprehensive awareness campaigns focused on the historical context of ‘Vande Mataram’, particularly its significance during the freedom movement. These efforts aim to educate younger generations about the song’s connection to national sacrifice and the struggle for independence.

Opposition to Political Compromise

The BJP has also expressed that it will oppose any attempts to subjugate the National Song to communal pressures, appeasement tactics, or vote-bank politics. The party emphasised the need to maintain the dignity of ‘Vande Mataram’ as a pivotal symbol of national identity.

The resolution referenced Mahatma Gandhi’s portrayal of ‘Vande Mataram’ as an “anti-imperialist slogan” tied closely to a “pure national sentiment”. This perspective seeks to reinforce the importance of preserving the song in its entirety, as a tribute to the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle.

In light of the Congress’s earlier announcement, Congress MP KC Venugopal reiterated the party’s commitment to the historical decisions made by prominent leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel concerning the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’. The BJP continues to maintain that the matter at hand is crucial in upholding the honour of the National Song and the legacy of those who fought for India’s independence.

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