Karnataka Restricts ‘Vande Mataram’ Rendition To First Two Stanzas At State Events

September 10, 2026

The Congress-led Karnataka government has issued an order directing officials to sing only the first two stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ at official state government programmes, amid an ongoing political row between the Congress and BJP over the rendition of the national song.

However, the order makes an exception for programmes attended by the President, Prime Minister or Governor, as well as events represented by the Central government. At such programmes, all six stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ will be sung.

Karnataka Government Issues Vande Mataram Order

The directive comes amid a Centre-issued direction making the rendition of all six stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ mandatory at official programmes.

For other state government events, Karnataka has instructed authorities to restrict the rendition to the opening two stanzas.

The issue has triggered a political controversy, with the BJP accusing the Congress of disrespecting the national song.

BJP Targets Congress Over Two-Stanza Rendition

BJP president Nitin Nabin on Wednesday accused the Congress of having an “anti-India mindset” over its decision to sing only the first two stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ at party programmes.

He also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programmes, saying their “resonance” would not extend beyond Congress workers.

Nabin also criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), alleging that Punjab had witnessed “anarchy” under its rule. He said the BJP would launch a public movement against the drug menace in Punjab and contest the upcoming Assembly elections on issues including drugs and “corruption”.

Congress-BJP Row Over ‘Vande Mataram’

Traditionally, only the first two stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ were sung at public gatherings and official functions. The controversy intensified after questions were raised over its rendition at the Congress headquarters on August 15.

On August 19, the Congress Working Committee decided that only the first two stanzas would be sung at party programmes. The BJP subsequently stepped up its criticism, alleging that the decision was aimed at minority appeasement.

During Parliament’s winter session, the NDA government also passed a bill granting legal protection to the full six-stanza version of the national song.