Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has sparked a fresh debate by questioning the mandatory full rendition of Vande Mataram at official events, describing it as an 'unnecessary imposition' on audiences. The remarks come after the Union Home Ministry issued new guidelines on February 6, making the national song compulsory in schools and at government functions across the country.
Tharoor's Remarks on Vande Mataram
Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Tharoor said that while everyone respects Vande Mataram, requiring all five verses to be sung at every event is difficult to justify. 'Vande Mataram is the national song, and we stand up in respect when it is sung. The first verse, or the first couple of verses, is something most people know by heart,' he stated.
Tharoor noted that traditionally, the song was sung once at the start of an event, while the national anthem was played separately, often at the end. 'Now they want all five verses to be sung at the beginning of every event and again at the end. I think that is an unnecessary imposition,' the Congress Working Committee member added.
State vs Centre Standoff
The Congress leader highlighted the differing views between the Kerala government and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. While the state government considers the full rendition optional, the Governor appears to hold a different opinion. 'It may ultimately have to be adjudicated because there is no law passed by Parliament requiring this. It is more a matter of convention,' Tharoor said.
He emphasized that he has no objection to the national song itself. 'We all respect Vande Mataram. I can happily sing it for you,' he remarked. Tharoor argued that the portion traditionally rendered in public is roughly the same length as the national anthem and has long been accepted and respected.
BJP's Strong Response
The BJP reacted strongly to Tharoor's comments. Amit Malviya asserted that singing Vande Mataram in full is not optional and cannot be treated as a matter for individual states to decide. The Union Home Ministry's guidelines mandate the full rendition at schools and official government events nationwide.
The issue has become a flashpoint between the Congress and BJP in Kerala, with Tharoor's remarks fueling the ongoing political debate over national symbols and their usage.
