NEW DELHI, Aug 21: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday criticised the Congress over its decision to restrict the singing of Vande Mataram to its first two stanzas at party programmes, describing the move as “entirely unconstitutional” and “reprehensible”.
Singh said the Congress Working Committee’s decision to follow its 1937 resolution on the National Song raised questions about the party’s commitment to constitutional obligations and patriotism.
He said refusing to honour the National Song was a serious matter and argued that adherence to constitutional and national institutions was essential.
The remarks came amid a growing political confrontation between the BJP and Congress over Vande Mataram. The Congress Working Committee on Wednesday resolved that only the first two stanzas would be sung at party events, reaffirming its 1937 position.
Congress has maintained that the decision reflects the stand adopted by its leadership during the freedom movement.
Singh alleged that the 1937 resolution was passed under pressure from the Muslim League and accused the Congress of returning to what he described as “appeasement” politics.
He said compromising with radical elements had proved harmful to the country in the past and warned that repeating such a course could have serious consequences.
Singh also accused the Congress of displaying what he called “foolish and dangerous intentions” by opposing the complete rendition of the National Song.
Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and later incorporated into his novel Anandamath, became a prominent symbol of India’s freedom movement, particularly during the Swadeshi movement. It was subsequently accorded the status of India’s National Song.
